Trends in scientific publications of Indian spine surgeons over 14 years (2000–2013)

Abstract

Background:The number and quality of scientific publications reflects the standards of scientific research in a country. However, the contribution of Indian spine surgeons toward global publications is unknown. The goal is to study the publications of Indian spine surgeons between 2000 and 2013.Materials and Methods:A literature search of the publications by Indian spine surgeons was performed using MEDLINE. The search terms used were India and several spine-related terminologies. The main information of the selected papers including the year of publication, scientific journal, type of pathology studied, Neurosurgical or Orthopedic Department where the study was done, type of study, and the type of article was analyzed.Results:A total of 4459 articles were identified using MEDLINE and after exclusion, 507 articles were analyzed. A growth of 440% in the number of publications was observed in the period between 2009 and 2013, during which 60.15% of the articles were published. Clinical studies (n = 492; 97.04) were the most common types of articles, followed by experimental studies and other types. The Neurosurgery department published the majority of the articles (58.2%). The three most common pathologies studied were spinal tumors (17.35%), surgical technique (15.4%), and spinal infection (15.2%).Conclusion:The current study shows that publications in the field of spine surgery have been increasing in the last few years, although it is less. Further efforts such as research training of spine surgeons, inducing collaborations and formulation of multicenter projects and periodically allocating adequate funds are key factors to improve the scientific publications from India.

Three decades of spine surgery research evolution in Saudi Arabia: A bibliometric analysis

“…Bibliometric analysis methods have shown efficacy in assessing research development in specific fields (9). Multiple studies have dealt with the bibliometric analysis of research output from confined geographical areas (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). A previous study by the authors of the current study (SB, YM) has found that Saudi research output in spine surgery was low in quality and numbers (11).…”

“…The progress of countries, both economically and scientifically, depends on their involvement in research and innovation (6). Bibliometric analysis methods have shown efficacy in assessing research development in specific fields (9).…”

“…Citation numbers measure the impact of certain publications on the global literature, a parameter used to quantify the number of times an article has been cited (3). Multiple studies have been done to measure the quality and impact of specific nations' publications on global spine surgery literature (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Saudi Arabia is advancing rapidly in multiple sectors, including the health sector, after the initiation of the 2030 vision (10).…”

The Top 10 Most Cited Indian Articles in Arthroscopy in Last 10 Years

“… 14 15 16 Besides these, various authors have attempted to find the most-cited papers in the different subspecialties of orthopaedics; 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 and also, influential papers from a particular region. 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 …”

“…The number of scientific papers contributed by each country toward the global research output, along with the number of citations received by them, has become one of the critical indicators for assessing the strength of research in a nation. 37 The disease patterns and patient demands also vary for each country, and a study of influential articles from a particular country throws light on the locally prevalent health problems and attempts made at solving them, besides global scientific contributions.…”