Trends in lower limb orthoplastic surgery: a bibliometric analysis
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Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background
Orthoplastic surgery integrates orthopaedic and plastic surgical expertise and principles in the context of complex lower limb pathologies involving bone and soft
tissue. Rapid advancements in the field have revolutionised the multidisciplinary approach to such conditions and have allowed for advancements in utilised techniques and outcomes. We performed the first bibliometric analysis focused on the 100 most cited articles related to Lower Limb Orthoplastic Surgery (LLOS) to analyse emerging trends and provide guidance for future research within the field.
Methods
The 100 most-cited articles related to LLOS were identified on Web of Science, across all databases and all years. Study details, including total citation count, study outcomes, primary orthoplastic pathology and modality utilised were extracted and level of evidence was also assessed.
Results
The 100 most-cited articles in LLOS were cited by a total of 12,225 articles. Citation count per article ranged significantly from 62 to 691 (mean: 103 ± 88.9). The majority of studies were retrospective cohort (n = 59, mean citations: 139.8 ± 110.5). Only one study achieved Level I status, highlighting a significant gap in methodological quality research within the field. Most studies focused on clinical outcomes (n = 88), while
trauma and open fractures were the commonest pathologies (n = 94) and flap coverage was the commonest orthoplastic modality (n = 79) discussed.
Conclusions
Overall, the majority of the most influential articles in LLOS are of lower-level evidence. Future research should prioritise improving methodological rigour and applying orthoplastic principles beyond trauma care.
Orthoplastic surgery integrates orthopaedic and plastic surgical expertise and principles in the context of complex lower limb pathologies involving bone and soft
tissue. Rapid advancements in the field have revolutionised the multidisciplinary approach to such conditions and have allowed for advancements in utilised techniques and outcomes. We performed the first bibliometric analysis focused on the 100 most cited articles related to Lower Limb Orthoplastic Surgery (LLOS) to analyse emerging trends and provide guidance for future research within the field.
Methods
The 100 most-cited articles related to LLOS were identified on Web of Science, across all databases and all years. Study details, including total citation count, study outcomes, primary orthoplastic pathology and modality utilised were extracted and level of evidence was also assessed.
Results
The 100 most-cited articles in LLOS were cited by a total of 12,225 articles. Citation count per article ranged significantly from 62 to 691 (mean: 103 ± 88.9). The majority of studies were retrospective cohort (n = 59, mean citations: 139.8 ± 110.5). Only one study achieved Level I status, highlighting a significant gap in methodological quality research within the field. Most studies focused on clinical outcomes (n = 88), while
trauma and open fractures were the commonest pathologies (n = 94) and flap coverage was the commonest orthoplastic modality (n = 79) discussed.
Conclusions
Overall, the majority of the most influential articles in LLOS are of lower-level evidence. Future research should prioritise improving methodological rigour and applying orthoplastic principles beyond trauma care.
Date Acceptance
2025-11-12
Citation
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open
ISSN
2169-7574
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer
Journal / Book Title
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
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Publication Status
Accepted