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The Global Research Trends and Hotspots on Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study
Haiyang Wu1,2, Yulin Wang1,2, Linjian Tong1,2
1Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
Insights
Research on developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is increasing globally, with the United States leading. Strengthening international collaboration is key for future advancements in this musculoskeletal disorder.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Hip Joint Pathologies
Background:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a prevalent congenital musculoskeletal condition in newborns.
- DDH is a significant risk factor for early-onset hip osteoarthritis, particularly in women.
- Existing research on DDH faces controversies, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of global trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the knowledge structure, evolution, and emerging research hotspots in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
- To provide insights into the global research landscape of DDH from 1998 to 2020.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of 2,691 DDH-related publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (1998-2020).
- Utilized visualization tools to map knowledge and analyzed publication trends, country/institution contributions, and keyword clusters.
Main Results:
- A consistent increase in global DDH publications was observed.
- The United States led in publication volume and impact (H-index); key institutions and researchers identified.
- Research clusters included osteoarthritis, hip replacement, ultrasound, osteotomy, and etiology, with emerging hotspots in clinical outcomes, risk factors, and femoroacetabular impingement.
Conclusions:
- The volume of DDH research is expected to grow, with the US maintaining its leading position.
- Enhanced international collaboration is crucial for advancing DDH research.
- Identified research trends and hotspots can guide future scientific inquiry in DDH.
Abstract:
Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder in newborns and also one of the most common causes of hip arthritis in women. Many topics concerning DDH still remain controversial, and the global research trend in this field has not been well-studied yet. The aim of the present study was to illustrate the overall knowledge structure, development trends, and research hotspots of DDH. Methods: The publications related to DDH from 1998 to 2020 were identified from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). Three bibliometric tools were used to conduct visualization and knowledge maps. Annual trends of publications, contributions of countries, institutions, authors, funding agencies and journals, and clustering of keywords were analyzed. Results: A total of 2,691 publications were included. The annual number of DDH publications showed an increasing trend worldwide. The United States has made the greatest contribution, with the largest number of publications and the highest H-index. The most prolific institutions were Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Shriners Hospital for Children. Professors Tönnis D, Harris WH, Crowe JF, Graf R, and Salter RB have made great achievements in this field. However, the collaboration between international institutions or researchers was relatively low and mainly conducted in European and American countries. All the keywords could be divided into five clusters: hip osteoarthritis study, hip replacement study, hip ultrasound study, osteotomy surgery study, and etiology study. A trend of balanced and diversified development existed in these clusters. Keywords with the ongoing bursts, including clinical outcome, risk factor, femoroacetabular impingement, predictor, arthroscopy, morphology, and anteversion may continue to be the research hotspots in the near future. Conclusions: There will be an increasing number of publications on DDH research, and the United States stay ahead in this field. International collaboration needs to be further strengthened. The information can provide helpful references for researchers to explore hot issues or target a specific field of DDH.
