Clinical research progress of atlantoaxial spine surgery in 2023-Results based on bibliometric study

English Keywords:Atlantoaxial spine  Bibliometric analysis  Visualized analysis

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objectives: To perform a visualized analysis of literature published in the field of atlantoaxial spine surgery in 2023 by using bibliometric method, and to summarize and review the important articles. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) for Chinese and English literature in the field of atlantoaxial spine published between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, information such as publishing countries, institutions, authors, journals, funding support, main and secondary themes, and keywords of the included literatures were extracted for summarization and visualized analysis. Full-text reviewing was also conducted to summarize and review the significant literatures in the field of atlantoaxial spine. Results: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria set by this study, a total of 100 English literatures were included, encompassing various types such as clinical studies, basic research, and systematic reviews, with 51 in the JCR Q2 or higher categories. Chinese authors topped the list, accounting for 50% of publications. "World Neurosurgery" was the most prolific journal, with the most common etiologies being rheumatoid arthritis, atlantoaxial fractures, and basilar invagination. There were 47 Chinese literatures, with "atlantoaxial spine" and "atlantoaxial dislocation" ranking top in both main and secondary themes. "Chinese Journal of Spine and Spinal Cord" was the primary publication journal, with Ma Xiangyang and Zou Xiaobao being the most prolific authors. PLA Southern Theater Command General Hospital contributed the most literature on atlantoaxial spine, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China was the main source of funding support. Through full-text reviewing, improvements in anterior and posterior surgical techniques, enhancement of surgical safety, postoperative revisions of atlantoaxial surgeries, artificial intelligence and 3D printing, and atlantoaxial instability/dislocation associated with rare diseases or systemic syndromes, were the current primary focuses of research and each was analyzed and discussed. Conclusions: The number of literatures related to the field of atlantoaxial spine continued to grow in 2023, with a considerable number of publications in top spine journals. Chinese scholars contributed the majority of articles. In addition to surgical treatments, atlantoaxial subluxation/dislocation caused by systemic syndromes was a new research hotspot. More high-quality research was expected in the future to provide high level evidence for the treatment options in the atlantoaxial spine field.