Global Cluster Analysis and Network Visualization in Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Scientometric Mapping

Objective: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the main reason of failure of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study aimed to investigate the global trends and network visualization in research of PJI. Methods: Publications in PJI search during 1980-2022 were extracted from the Science Citation Index-Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC). The source data was investigated and analyzed by bibliometric methodology. For network visualization, VOS viewer and R software was used to perform bibliographic coupling, co-citation, co-authorship and co-occurrence analysis and to predict the publication trends in PJI research. Results: There were 7288 articles included. The number of publications and relative research interests increased gradually per year globally. The USA made the highest contributions in the world and with the highest H-index and the most citations. Journal of Arthroplasty published the highest number of articles in this area. The Mayo Clinic, Thomas Jefferson University (Rothman Institute), Hospital Special Surgery and the Rush University were the most contributive institutions by network visualization. Included studies were divided into four clusters: bacterial pathogenic mechanism and antibacterial drugs study, TJA complications, risk factors and epidemiology of PJI, diagnosis of PJI, and revision surgical management. More articles in PJI could be published over the next few years. Conclusion: The number of publications about PJI will be increasing dramatically based on the global trends and net-work visualization. The USA made the highest contributions in PJI. Diagnosis and revision management may be the next hot spots in this field.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the global trends and network visualization in research of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). A bibliometric analysis was conducted on PJI publications extracted from the Science Citation Index-Expanded database. The results showed a gradual increase in the number of publications and research interests globally. The USA made the highest contributions in PJI research, with the highest H-index and most citations. The areas of focus in PJI research include bacterial pathogenic mechanisms, TJA complications, risk factors and epidemiology, diagnosis, and revision management. There is expected to be a significant increase in the number of PJI publications in the coming years.