Research trends on digital flexor tendon: A bibliometric analysis based on CiteSpace

A host of experts have shown interest in the digital flexor tendon. However, few have conducted a bibliometric analysis of this field.

This study aimed to carry out comprehensive and practical research on the academic status and the development trend in this area.

All papers regarding digital flexor tendons announced from 1991 to 2022 were retrieved and downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace was utilized to analyze the information on publication output, journals, authors, countries, institutions and keywords.

A total of 3100 publications met the inclusion criteria, which were made up of articles and reviews. The publications and cite frequency increased rapidly per year (t = 10.652, P < 0.001; t = 19.716, P < 0.001). Journal of Hand Surgery American Volume had the largest number of studies (307 publications). Amadio PC was identified as the most prolific author, and Dyson SJ (336 citations) was the most cited author. The United States had the highest publications (35.39%), followed by England. Though Australia ranked tenth, which had the greatest impact (centrality = 0.43). This study collected 20 clusters and 25 citation bursts on the basis of keywords.

This study recommends that international cooperation and linkages among authors, countries and institutions should be strengthened. Ultrasound, tenosynovitis, platelet-rich plasma, and 3-loop pulley suture have been the focus of current research. The surgical and non-surgical treatment of digital flexor tendon injury would be future frontiers.