Research topics and trends of isthmic spondylolisthesis: A bibliometric analysis and review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction

As the second most common type of spondylolisthesis, there is no bibliometric analysis on isthmic spondylolisthesis. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring its research topics and trends through bibliometric analysis.

Methods

We conducted a Scopus database search on isthmic spondylolisthesis, yielding 700 articles. After refining our criteria, the count reduced to 519 articles. We extracted all 519 obtained articles in CSV extension and further analyzed with VOSviewer 1.6.19 and Biblioshiny.

Result

and Discussion: The first article published in 1975 was the top globally cited article. Scientific production fluctuated since 1975 with steady growth peaking in 2022, while citations have tended to decrease. The United States leads in terms of published research on isthmic spondylolisthesis. Spine is the top journal with the highest number of articles, citations, and impact factor. The top 10 most common author’s keywords used related to operative treatment. VOSviewer identified 6 clusters of co-occurrences. Strategic diagrams from 2002 to 2012 and 2013 to 2024 show the evolution of the theme.

Conclusion

This study is the first to summarize the publication growth on isthmic spondylolisthesis. Publications are expected to decline in 2024. The optimal surgical approach for isthmic spondylolisthesis remains controversial. Consequently, surgical techniques are the primary research focus, with analysis indicating ongoing development in spinal fusion techniques. Recently, ESS and PROMs have emerged as new but still infrequent topics. The absence of research on the correlation between those topics present a significant opportunity for researchers to investigate PROMs in patients undergoing ESS for isthmic spondylolisthesis.