Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of the Immune System in Osteomyelitis (1990-2024)

Osteomyelitis (OM) is an inflammatory bone disorder in which dysregulation of the immune microenvironment significantly contributes to disease progression. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to map the global landscape of immune-related OM research from 1990 to 2024. A total of 3,031 original articles and reviews were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Visualization software was used to evaluate publication trends, collaborative networks, and keyword evolution. Results indicate that annual publications increased steadily, with the United States and China emerging as primary research contributors. High-impact studies transitioned from investigating genetic-autoimmune links to exploring Staphylococcus aureus-host interactions and immune evasion. Disciplinary trends shifted from surgery toward immunology and computational biology. Keyword analysis revealed a shift from early infection-related terms to molecular immune mechanisms, including IL-1β and Th17 signaling. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the research transition from pathogen-focused approaches to immune-centric perspectives in the field of osteomyelitis.