The 50 most cited studies on trochleoplasty

This study aimed to analyse the 50 most cited publications on trochleoplasty (TP), examine their bibliographic parameters and evaluate the correlations between citation count, methodological quality and other factors.

In a comprehensive literature search on the Web of Science, the 50 most cited studies on TP were identified. These studies were then evaluated according to their bibliographic parameters, level of evidence (LOE), citation counts, the Modified Coleman Methodological Score (MCMS), the Methodological Index for Non‑Randomised Studies (MINORS) and the Radiologic Methodology and Quality Scale (MQCSRE).

Of the top 50 list, 15 articles (30%) were published in the journal 'Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy' (KSSTA). A total of 39 studies were published by institutes from Europe (78%), with France and Switzerland being represented 10 times each. Of eight different study types, case series (n = 25, 50%) and systematic reviews (n = 16, 32%) were the most prevalent. LOE included Level III (n = 1, 2%), Level IV (n = 41, 82%) and Level V studies (n = 8, 16%) studies. The total citation count amounted to 2481 citations, ranging from 10 to 187 (mean 49.6 ± 41.5) and showed a mean citation density of 5.1 ± 2.6. Quality scores were 60.8 ± 9.8 for MCMS (n = 26), 11.1 ± 2.9 for MINORS (n = 26) and 22.5 ± 2.1 for MQCSRE (n = 25), respectively. High citation counts did not statistically correlate with higher study quality scores (p > 0.05).

Overall, there is growing scientific interest in TP as a treatment option for patients suffering from patellofemoral instability despite the lack of articles with a high LOE and methodological quality. This review of the top 50 most cited studies provides orthopaedic surgeons with a resource to assess the most impactful academic contributions to TP.

Level IV.