Bibliometric and Knowledge-Mapping Analysis of Induced Membrane (Masquelet) Technique in Bone Infection

The study aims to delineate the evolutionary trajectory, global collaborative networks, intellectual structure, and shifting clinical frontiers of the induced membrane technique (IMT, Masquelet) for managing osteomyelitis and severe infected bone defects. Publications from 2001 to 2026 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric and visualization analyses were conducted using R Bibliometrix. A carefully curated dataset of 307 foundational original articles from 40 countries was included. The logistic growth model (R²=0.827) indicates the field is transitioning from a period of novel expansion into clinical maturation. Geographically, France pioneered the foundational high-impact literature, whereas China has recently experienced an exponential surge in publication volume, albeit operating largely within domestic research silos with limited international crosstalk. Author co-citation algorithms unmasked three distinct theoretical pillars driving the field: the foundational anatomical and physiological conceptualization of the induced membrane, the ongoing clinical dialectic against distraction osteogenesis (the Ilizarov bone transport paradigm), and the rigorous integration of classical Cierny-Mader osteomyelitis principles. Crucially, thematic mapping and Sankey evolution revealed a profound clinical paradigm shift. Early historical enthusiasm for biological modifiers has been aggressively replaced by contemporary pragmatic limb salvage strategies (2022-2026), heavily characterized by burst keywords such as flap and amputation. Bibliometric analysis reveals that IMT research has evolved from early technique validation into a core strategy for complex multidisciplinary extremity salvage. Current frontiers emphasize aggressive infection eradication and massive composite defect management. Future advancements necessitate transnational multicenter trials to establish standardized clinical protocols.