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Global research trends in pediatric bone and joint infections: A 50-year bibliometric analysis (1976-2025)

Raju Vaishya1, Ashok N Johari2, Brij Mohan Gupta3

  • 1Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110076, India.

SICOT-J
|May 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric bone and joint infections research is mature but uneven, with key themes like osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Enhancing global collaboration is vital for future progress in this field.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Musculoskeletal Infections
  • Bibliometrics

Background:

  • Pediatric bone and joint infections (PBJI) significantly impact child morbidity.
  • Understanding global research trends in PBJI is crucial for identifying key contributions and future directions.
  • This study provides a bibliometric analysis of PBJI research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To map the productivity, impact, and knowledge structure of global PBJI research.
  • To identify influential authors, institutions, and countries in the field.
  • To analyze thematic trends and collaboration patterns in PBJI research.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed in a major database for PBJI publications (1976-2025).
  • Bibliometric indicators (TP, TC, CPP, RCI, HCPs, ICPs) were analyzed.
  • Network analyses (keywords, authors, institutions, countries, journals) were conducted using VOSviewer.

Main Results:

  • 1,556 publications were identified, dominated by English-language journal articles.
  • Research output and impact are concentrated in high-income countries (USA, UK).
  • Keyword analysis revealed four main themes: osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus), diagnostics, and treatment.

Conclusions:

  • PBJI research is a mature field with concentrated high-impact contributions and specific clinical themes.
  • Strengthening international collaboration and increasing research visibility from underrepresented regions are essential for global advancement.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bibliometric analysisHighly cited publicationsInternational collaborationPediatric bone infectionsSeptic arthritis

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