Review Article

Global research trends in pediatric bone and joint infections: A 50-year bibliometric analysis (1976–2025)

¹ Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110076, India
² Childrens’ Orthopaedic Centre, Bobby Apartments, Lady Jamshedi Roda, Mahim, Mumbai 400016, India
³ Retired Scientist from CSIR-NISTADS, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India
⁴ Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Department of Library and Information Science, Deralakatte, Mangalore 575018, Karnataka. India
⁵ St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru 560027, Karnataka, India
⁶ Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110076, India

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 10 February 2026
Accepted: 31 March 2026

Abstract

Background: Pediatric bone and joint infections (PBJI) remain a major cause of morbidity in children, with evolving trends in epidemiology, diagnostics, and management. A comprehensive understanding of the global research landscape is essential to identify influential contributions, collaboration patterns, and thematic priorities. This study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis of PBJI research to map productivity, impact, and knowledge structure. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in a major bibliographic database to retrieve PBJI-related publications from 1976 to 2025. Bibliometric indicators including total publications (TP), total citations (TC), citations per paper (CPP), relative citation index (RCI), highly cited papers (HCPs), and international collaborative papers (ICPs) were analyzed. Network analyses of keywords, authors, institutions, countries, and journals were performed using VOSviewer to assess collaboration patterns and research themes. Results: A total of 1,556 publications were identified. Journal articles dominated output (82.4%), while reviews showed higher impact (CPP 31.67; RCI 1.90). English-language papers accounted for 89.1% of publications and 97.5% of citations, including all 28 HCPs. Research output and impact were concentrated in a few high-income countries, led by the USA and the UK. Citation distribution was highly skewed, with 18.4% uncited papers and only 6.3% of publications receiving more than 50 citations. Keyword analysis revealed four major thematic clusters centered on osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, pathogens (especially Staphylococcus aureus), diagnostics, and treatment. Collaboration networks were selective and fragmented, with a small core of influential authors and institutions. Conclusion: PBJI research is a mature but uneven field, driven by a limited number of high-impact contributors and focused clinical themes. Strengthening international collaboration and improving visibility of research from underrepresented regions are critical for balanced global advancement.