Global trends in lumbar spondylolysis research: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Yan Wang, Xiaojing Guo, Yan Wang, Chunsheng QianObjective:
This study conducted a visual analysis of literature related to lumbar spondylolysis from January 2015 to August 2025, summarizing the current state, research hotspots, and developing trends in this field to provide theoretical support for subsequent research and clinical practice.
Methods:
The China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Web of Science databases were searched. Using CiteSpace V6.3.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.20 (Leiden University ), visualization maps were generated and analyzed from perspectives including publication volume, authors, institutions, cited journals, and keywords.
Results:
The search identified 602 articles from Web of Science and 268 from China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Analysis of both databases revealed distinct research networks, centered on high-output authors and collaborative institutions. The leading research institutions were primarily hospitals and clinics, with Harvard Medical School being the most prolific. Among authors, Sairyo, Koichi had the highest number of publications and citations, while Spine was the most cited journal. Early research, both in Chinese and international literature, primarily addressed surgical interventions and imaging studies. Chinese core journals frequently emphasized “internal fixation” and adolescent populations, whereas international studies focused more on “low back pain” and diagnostic “tomography.” In recent years, conservative treatment, risk factors, and rehabilitation management have gained prominence, marking a shift in research emphasis from surgical intervention toward disease prevention and rehabilitation.
Conclusion:
Research on lumbar spondylolysis is increasingly characterized by multimodality and multidisciplinary integration, with a growing convergence in research priorities within the global academic community. However, China continues to trail behind leading international efforts in this domain. Moving forward, priorities should include conducting high-quality prospective cohort studies, multicenter comparative trials, and multimodal cross-disciplinary research to enhance evidence-based clinical decision-making and advance personalized rehabilitation management.