A 20-Year Analysis of Hand and Wrist Research Productivity in Asia

Abstract

Bibliometric analyses of the hand and wrist research have previously shown a significant increase in research productivity in Asia. We examined the key contributors to this change by performing bibliometric analyses regarding hand and wrist research in all Asian countries producing significant research. Original research articles from 1988 to 2007 were collected from seven English language journals based on the impact factor. Trends in research productivity were determined by country using linear regression analysis. Compared to the rest of the world, Asia produced fewer level I and basic studies, but more level IV studies. Significant increase in both research volume and productivity in Asia was observed, with Japan, Korea, and Taiwan having the highest aggregate productivity in hand and wrist research. From 1988 to 2007, the relative research production among Asian countries showed significant change, in contrary to that of Europe, Latin American, and the United States.

Extending a Hand: Increasing Diversity at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand

“…8,9 Furthermore, Western European and Asian countries have contributed an increasing number of high-quality research publications. 10,11 With few international medical graduates practicing in the US, most orthopedic and plastic surgeons do not have continued exposure to international colleagues. As such, professional societies become an essential avenue for international collaboration and education.…”