Tears, Tendons, and Trends: A Bibliometric Analysis on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Research.

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis investigates global research trends in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention and treatment by evaluating 4,086 articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1985 to June 18, 2025. The top funding agencies of ACL research showed governmental-linked institutions from the United States, the People's Republic of China, and Japan supporting a substantial part of ACL literature. Keyword emphasis on surgical methods was evident in the indexed literature on ACL. Continued research towards improving surgical methods will prevent retear, assist in more efficient recovery, and better long-term outcomes for the patient.