Trends and key contributors in peripheral nerve regeneration research: A bibliometric study

Abstract

Background

Peripheral nerve regeneration is a critical research area with significant implications for neurology, neurosurgery, and regenerative medicine. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to provide a structured overview of research trends, intellectual impact, and evolving themes in peripheral nerve regeneration. This study aimed to identify the most influential research articles on peripheral nerve regeneration; analyze keyword trends, thematic evolution, and co-word structures; assess the contributions of top authors, universities, and countries; and examine collaboration networks and research dynamics.

Methods

A systematic bibliometric approach was employed using two search strategies. The first strategy involved searching within the title, abstract, and keyword fields, yielding 15 ​317 papers, whereas the second strategy was restricted to searching titles only, retrieving 3 531 papers. From these, the 100 most cited papers were selected for analysis. A thematic analysis was conducted using co-word clustering. The leading contributors were ranked according to the number of publications, citations, h-index, g-index, and m-index.

Results

The bibliometric analysis provided several key insights. Keyword analysis using bi- and tri-gram techniques revealed the dominant research themes within the field. The top contributors, including authors, universities, and countries, were ranked based on their productivity and citation impact. Collaboration networks were mapped at the author, institutional, and country levels, highlighting key partnerships and global research interactions. Thematic analysis classified research into seven major domains: neural regeneration and repair; cellular and molecular biology; biomaterials and tissue engineering; experimental studies and statistical analyses; functional and therapeutic aspects; neuropathic pain and peripheral nerve disorders; and Schwann cell and cellular responses. Additionally, the ten most influential papers were reviewed in detail to understand their contributions to the field.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive and structured overview of peripheral nerve regeneration research. These findings offer valuable insights into the intellectual foundation of the field by identifying key contributors, research trends, and collaboration patterns. The results serve as a guide for future research, helping researchers to navigate the evolving landscape of peripheral nerve regeneration.