Hotspots and Evolution Trends in Periprosthetic Knee Fractures: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis with...

The growing incidence of periprosthetic knee fractures (PPKF) has emerged as a critical challenge in orthopedic surgery. Despite a rising volume of research, there is still limited comprehensive evaluation of global research trends, institutional and author collaboration networks, and evolving focal points within the scientific literature.

This bibliometric study aims to systematically analyze the evolution of PPKF-related research from 2005 to 2025, identify key contributors and institutions, and uncover emerging themes and knowledge gaps to inform future scholarly directions.

A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection, resulting in the inclusion of 1384 peer-reviewed articles. Bibliometric analyses were performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix package in R. Collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, citation bursts, and thematic clustering were visualized and systematically interpreted to map the intellectual structure and developmental trends of the field.

Publications showed a consistent upward trend, peaking in 2024. The United States led in output (37.8%) and citations, with the Mayo Clinic as the top institution. Abdel MP was the most prolific author, while Parvizi J received the highest citations. Key frequently occurring keywords included "fixation", "management", "outcomes", "risk factors" and "femoral fractures". Major thematic clusters focused on "total hip arthroplasty", "periprosthetic fractures", "unicompartmental knee arthroplasty", "non-neoplastic indications" and "bone health". The top five keywords with the strongest citation bursts were "LISS (Less Invasive Stabilization System)", "invasive stabilization techniques", "bone", "distal femoral fractures" and "allografts", indicating emerging areas of research intensity.

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the global research trajectory in PPKF, highlighting key contributors, evolving thematic trends, and emerging research directions. These insights may serve to guide clinicians and researchers in prioritizing scholarly efforts and optimizing clinical outcomes.