Historical trends and future key insights in osteology research: A global scientometrics and visual analysis

Osteology plays a central role in anatomical, biological, and clinical sciences. However, a comprehensive understanding of its global research landscape, historical development, and emerging trends has been lacking. This study aimed to fill that gap by conducting a scientometrics and visual analysis of bone tissue research over the past 190 years.

A bibliometric study was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science All Collection, and PubMed. Publications were included if they focused on the structure or function of bones and were peer-reviewed articles. Variables included publication volume, journal quartile, citation metrics (h-index, g-index, m-index), collaboration networks, and keyword trends. Countries were classified by income level and geographic region.

A total of 8103 publications were included. The field showed modest growth until 1967, followed by a marked increase peaking in 2021. Most articles were original research (91%) and published in Q1 journals (63.9%). Europe and the Americas accounted for over 80% of publications, while low- and lower-middle-income countries contributed <4%. High-income countries dominated Q1 output and collaboration networks. The most common keywords included phylogeny, osteoporosis, and dinosaur. Technological and molecular approaches have become more prominent since the 2000s.

This is the first global scientometrics analysis of osteology research. It reveals historical trends, regional inequalities, and thematic evolution, offering valuable insights for researchers, institutions, and policymakers to foster more inclusive and strategically guided research in osteology.