Global analysis and latest research hot spots of skin grafting: A bibliometric analysis and visualized review
摘要
Skin grafting is a widely used technique across multiple surgical specialties, aiming to restore the protective barrier of compromised skin. Despite its clinical importance, no recent bibliometric analysis has characterized the global research landscape. This study provides a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of skin graft research.
MethodsPublications indexed in the Web of Science database between January 1, 2010, and September 1, 2024, were retrieved, yielding 2,864 records. After screening, 1,000 English-language studies were included for final analysis. Using VOSviewer, we examined bibliometric parameters—including citation counts, article output, and institutional affiliations—and mapped networks of co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and co-citation.
ResultsWales ranked first in publication output (256), followed by the United States (135) and Turkey (65). The United States led in total citations (6,783; mean 50.24 per publication). Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland were the leading contributing institutions, while Burns and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery were the most-cited journals. The most frequent keywords were "skin graft," "wound healing," and "split-thickness skin graft," reflecting prevailing research trends.
ConclusionsThis analysis highlights the evolving landscape of skin grafting research and underscores the role of international collaboration in addressing challenges such as graft rejection and impaired wound healing. Emerging approaches, including tissue engineering and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, hold promise for future advances that may ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Level of Evidence: not gradable