Changing Research Orientations in Paget's Disease of Bone: A Bibliometric Analysis

IntroductionPaget's disease of bone (PDB) has long been studied as a condition characterized by disordered bone remodeling. In recent decades, research has increasingly incorporated molecular, genetic, and systemic perspectives, reflecting a broader understanding of the disease. Despite this apparent expansion, changes in the overall research orientation of the PDB field have not been systematically assessed at the field level.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was performed using PDB-related publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1999 and 2025. Publication trends, keyword-based thematic mapping, temporal patterns, and citation indicators were analyzed to examine shifts in research focus. Studies were categorized into three research orientations. These included bone-centered studies, molecular and genetic studies, and systemic and neurological studies. The evolution of these orientations over time was evaluated using descriptive metrics.ResultsA total of 963 articles published between 1999 and 2025 were included. The Systemic Orientation Index showed a sustained upward trajectory, indicating a gradual shift of PDB research beyond a predominantly bone-centered framework. In time-adjusted citation analysis, systemic and neurological studies showed the highest mean citations per year at 2.63, compared with 1.46 for both bone-centered and molecular and genetic studies.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate a progressive broadening of PDB research beyond a predominantly skeletal framework. While bone-centered studies continue to form the foundation of the field, molecular, genetic, and systemic approaches are playing an important role in shaping contemporary research on PDB.