Torticollis research in focus: Emerging trends, thematic shifts, and global collaboration patterns

Torticollis is a neuromuscular condition characterized by abnormal head posture due to cervical muscle contracture, encompassing both congenital and acquired forms. Although frequently encountered in clinical settings, no prior bibliometric study has comprehensively examined the structure and evolution of torticollis research. This study aimed to map the global literature, identify research hotspots, and highlight influential contributors, institutions, and sources. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection, covering publications from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2024. The topic keyword "torticollis" was used to retrieve relevant articles and reviews published in English. VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace were employed for analyzing co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, co-citation networks, and citation bursts. Thematic clusters were identified using log-likelihood ratio algorithms, and citation quality was assessed using Silhouette scores. Out of 2825 initial records, 2324 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 1922 articles and 297 reviews. Publication output steadily increased, peaking between 2018 and 2021, with a slight decrease in subsequent years. The United States led in total publications and international collaboration, followed by Germany, China, and the UK. "Movement Disorders" was the most productive and cited journal. Analysis revealed 2 dominant themes: (1) neurologic research on cervical dystonia and botulinum toxin, and (2) pediatric studies on congenital muscular torticollis emphasizing physiotherapy and ultrasound. Emerging keywords such as "clinical practice guideline" and "physical therapy" suggest growing interest in standardizing noninvasive care. Influential authors included J. Jankovic, H.A. Jinnah, and leading institutions such as Emory University and Baylor College of Medicine. Torticollis research is expanding across interdisciplinary lines, driven by both neurologic and pediatric-orthopedic interests. While earlier work centered on neurotherapeutics, recent trends emphasize early diagnosis and conservative management. Greater emphasis on collaboration and evidence-based guidelines will be key to addressing the multifaceted nature of torticollis moving forward.