Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Bibliometric Study

Achilles tendon rupture is a frequently addressed subject in foot and ankle research. A bibliometric analysis of the existing literature may provide valuable insights for surgeons and others involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of Achilles tendon ruptures. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the most-cited research articles regarding Achilles tendon rupture. Using the Web of Science Database, over 1500 publications were identified. The search was refined to include only original articles, resulting in the inclusion of 1,341 articles. Co-authorship between authors was analyzed using a readily available online citation manager software. The 50 most-cited articles were exported into Microsoft Excel for analysis of publication year, journal, authors, and institution of publication. Of the 1,341 articles published between 1948 and 2023, a notable concentration appeared in 2021 and 2022, with 117 and 113 publications, respectively. The 50 most-cited articles were published between 1974 and 2017, and were cited an average of 166 times, ranging from 79 to 672 citations. The American Journal of Sports Medicine was the most prolific journal with 10 of the top 50 most-cited articles. The substantial volume of research on Achilles tendon rupture can make it challenging for surgeons and other stakeholders to navigate the relevant literature. Bibliometric analyses such as this provide a structured overview and help identify the most significant contributions in the field.