Bibliometric Analysis of the Development, Current Status, and Trends in Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Research: A Systematic Review from 1998 to 2023

Abstract

Purpose

Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) research lacks bibliometric analysis, despite numerous studies. This study aimed to systematically analyze the development, current status, hot topics, frontier areas, and trends in ADS research.

Patients and Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database from January 1998 to June 2023. Information regarding the country, institution, author, journal, and keywords was collected for each article. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer and Citespace software.

Results

The final analysis covered 1695 publications, demonstrating a steady increase in ADS research. The United States was the most prolific and influential country with 684 publications, followed by China and Japan. The University of California System was the most productive institution with 113 publications. Shaffrey, CI (47 publications) and Lenke, LG (41 publications) were top authors. The analysis revealed seven main research clusters: “intervertebral disc”, “adult spinal deformity”, “lumbar fusion”, “minimally invasive surgery”, “navigation”, “postoperative complications”, and “mental retardation”. Keywords with strong bursts of activity included degeneration, prevalence, imbalance, classification, lumbar spinal stenosis, and kyphosis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in recent years, ADS research has undergone rapid development. This study analyzed its hot topics, advancements, and research directions, making it the latest bibliometric analysis in this field. The findings aim to provide a new perspective and guidance for clinical practitioners and researchers.

Keywords:

• adult degenerative scoliosis
• adult spinal deformities
• bibliometric analysis
• CiteSpace
• VOSviewer

Abbreviations

ADS, Adult degenerative scoliosis; WOS, Web of Science; NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; ECM, extracellular matrix; PLIF, posterior lumbar interbody fusion; TLIF, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion; LLIF, lateral lumbar interbody fusion; XLIF, extreme lateral interbody fusion; OLIF, oblique lumbar interbody fusion; ODI, Oswestry Disability Index; VAS, Visual Analogue Scale; CAN, computer-assisted navigation.

Data Sharing Statement

The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) allows for direct retrieval of the raw data.

Ethics Approval

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81472140), the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin City (S20ZDD484), National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFF1202500, 2022YFF1202503), Health and Technology Project of Tianjin Municipal Commission, Grant No. zc20219 and Tianjin Key Medical Discipline(Specialty) Construction Project (TJYXZDXK-026A).