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Trends in Imaging Studies for Flap Reconstruction Surgery: A Bibliometric Analysis
Mohammad Alzaid1,2, Fatema Aftab3, Ibrahim Riaz4
1From the School of Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|January 9, 2026
Summary
This bibliometric analysis of imaging studies for flap reconstruction reveals a heavy reliance on retrospective data. Future research should prioritize global collaboration and patient-reported outcomes for better reconstructive surgery evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Radiology
- Bibliometrics
Background:
- Imaging studies are crucial for perforator flap surgery, improving outcomes and reducing complications.
- A bibliometric analysis was performed to identify trends and assess the quality of research in this field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize emerging trends in imaging studies for flap reconstruction.
- To assess the methodological quality of the existing body of research on imaging in flap reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of the Web of Science database was conducted to identify the 100 most-cited articles on imaging studies for flap reconstruction published between 1950 and 2024.
- Data extracted included citation count, subject, outcome measures, imaging type, and evidence level.
Main Results:
- The 100 most-cited articles received 9689 citations and involved 21,619 patients.
- The evidence base predominantly consisted of Level 3 and Level 4 studies (retrospective cohorts, case series), with only one Level 1 randomized trial identified.
- Preoperative flap planning was the most common application of imaging (62 studies), utilizing modalities such as computed tomography angiography, Doppler ultrasound, and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography.
Conclusions:
- Highly cited studies often lacked randomization and were single-center efforts.
- Incorporating patient-reported outcome measures and fostering global collaboration are recommended to enhance the quality and patient-centeredness of future research in reconstructive surgery.
