Epidural hematoma: Bibliometric analysis of scientific trends and developments from 1980 to 2023

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify research directions focused on epidural hematoma (EDHs) from past to present using bibliometric approaches, uncover current research trends through keyword analyses, delineate global productivity, and identify impactful studies through citation analyses. The study obtained 1785 articles related to EDH published between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2023, from the Web of Science database, and comprehensive analyses were conducted using various bibliometric and statistical approaches. These analyses include citation and co-citation analyses, trend keyword analysis, multiple correspondence analysis, thematic evolution analysis, and various other bibliometric analyses. The bibliometric analyses were performed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. The top 3 journals contributing the most to the literature were Acta Neurochirurgica (n = 56, 3.1%), British Journal of Neurosurgery (48, 2.6%), and Neurosurgery (47, 2.6%). According to the h-index, the most influential top 3 journals were Neurosurgery (h = 27), Acta Neurochirurgica (h = 23), and Surgical Neurology (h = 21). Based on the m-index, the most influential top 3 journals were World Neurosurgery (m = 0.9), Medicine (m = 0.63), and Neurosurgery (m = 0.6). The most active country was the United States of America (n = 593), the most active author was Mahapatra AK (n = 10), and the most active institution was Harvard University (n = 25). Research interest in EDH has evolved over time, with notable increases in publication trends in 1968, 1982, and 1988, peaking in 1996 and 2004. Bibliometric analyses indicate that key topics such as spinal EDH, head injuries, magnetic resonance imaging, spontaneous spinal EDH, computed tomography, spine, complications, epidural, anticoagulants, pediatric cases, and trauma have stood out in EDH research. Trend analysis findings have shown an increasing focus on specific areas such as clinical management approaches, treatment methods, postoperative complications, risk factors, pediatric cases, as well as specific conditions like paralysis and cauda equina syndrome. Multiple correspondence analysis identified 6 core research dimensions, focusing on acute trauma management, surgical interventions, complications management, risk assessment, surgical outcomes, and incidence analysis.