Global research hotspots of stem cell therapy for rotator cuff injuries: A bibliometric and visualized analysis

Rotator cuff injuries represent a prevalent cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction, significantly impacting the quality of life. Surgical repair has the potential to restore tendon integrity, alleviate symptoms, and enhance overall function. However, the limited self-healing capacity of tendons, the propensity for fragile scar tissue formation, and the risk of tendons retear necessitate the exploration of alternative approaches. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising and effective strategy for the regenerative repair of rotator cuff injuries. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this field to explore the current state of research and identify emerging focus areas.

Publications related to stem cell therapy for rotator cuff injuries, published from 2003 to 2024, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel, we analyzed and visualized publication trends, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers.

A total of 927 publications were analyzed, revealing a steady increase in the number of publications within this field, thereby indicating a growing interest. The United States and China are the leading contributors regarding research output and funding. Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the American Journal of Sports Medicine have been identified as the most productive institutions and journals, respectively. The article "Biologics for tendon repair" holds the highest citation count and provides a comprehensive understanding of tendon biology and current treatment strategies. The authors with the highest publication output and citation frequency are Mazzocca, Augustus D., and Rodeo, Scott A., respectively. Keyword analysis indicates a temporal shift, with "mesenchymal stem cells" and "rotator cuff repair" identified as predominant keywords. Recently emerged keywords include "scaffolds," "tendon stem cells," and "tenogenic differentiation," reflecting the current research hotspots, frontiers, and future directions.

Stem cell therapy for rotator cuff injuries is a rapidly evolving field. Our analysis provides valuable insights into research trends and future directions, highlighting the potential of regenerative medicine and the necessity for collaborative efforts to advance this promising therapeutic approach.