โก Quick Summary
This bibliometric analysis examined 603 articles on spinal Modic changes (MC) published from 2004 to 2024, revealing key research trends and hotspots. Notably, China led in publication volume, while the University of Oulu in Finland had the most significant institutional impact.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Dataset: 603 articles from 168 journals
- ๐ Countries involved: 193 countries
- ๐ Leading contributor: China
- ๐ซ Most impactful institution: University of Oulu, Finland
- โ๏ธ Prolific author: J. Karppinen
- ๐ Most cited author: M. Modic
- ๐ฐ Top journal: Spine
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ Research hotspots include “degenerative disease,” “bone marrow changes,” and “lower back.”
- ๐ก Future research should focus on classification and pathophysiological mechanisms of MC.
- โ๏ธ Clinical significance of MC types in pain and functional impairment needs exploration.
- ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ Impact of obesity and paraspinal muscles on MC progression should be investigated.
- ๐ค Artificial intelligence could enhance the identification and understanding of MC.
๐ Background
Modic changes (MC) are pathological alterations in the vertebral endplates and adjacent bone marrow, often associated with degenerative disc diseases and low back pain. Despite the growing interest in this area, research has been largely fragmented and descriptive, lacking a comprehensive quantitative assessment of trends and collaboration networks.
๐๏ธ Study
This study utilized bibliometric analysis to evaluate the research landscape surrounding spinal MC. By retrieving relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database, the authors aimed to provide a clearer understanding of research patterns and hotspots from January 2004 to August 2024.
๐ Results
The analysis revealed a total of 603 articles published across 168 journals, with contributions from 193 countries. China was identified as the leading contributor, while the University of Oulu in Finland had the most significant institutional impact. The journal Spine accounted for the highest number of publications and citations, highlighting its prominence in this research area.
๐ Impact and Implications
This study provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers by identifying key research priorities and directions in the field of spinal MC. Understanding the classification and clinical significance of different types of MC, particularly their roles in pain and functional impairment, can lead to improved patient care. Furthermore, exploring the impact of obesity and muscle strength on MC progression could inform treatment strategies.
๐ฎ Conclusion
This bibliometric analysis marks a significant step in understanding the research landscape of spinal Modic changes. By highlighting critical research trends and future directions, it encourages further investigation into the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications of MC. The integration of artificial intelligence in this field holds promise for enhancing our understanding and management of these changes.
๐ฌ Your comments
What are your thoughts on the findings of this study? How do you think future research can shape our understanding of spinal Modic changes? ๐ฌ Join the conversation in the comments below or connect with us on social media:
Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research Relating to Spinal Modic Changes Reported Over the Period 2004-2024.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Modic changes (MC) are pathological signal alterations occurring in the vertebral endplates and adjacent bone marrow. These changes are frequently linked to degenerative disc diseases and are associated with low back pain symptoms. However, despite increasing research interest, existing studies are fragmented, mostly descriptive, and lack a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of research patterns, hotspots, and collaboration networks in this field. This study aims to evaluate the current research landscape and global trends regarding spinal MC using bibliometric analysis.
METHODS: We retrieved relevant publications on spinal MC from the Web of Science Core Collection database, spanning January 2004 to August 2024. Using CiteSpace, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of keywords, co-authors, institutions, countries, research domains, cited literature, cited authors, and cited journals.
RESULTS: This study analyzed 603 articles published in 168 journals from 193 countries. China emerged as the leading contributor in terms of publication volume, while the University of Oulu in Finland demonstrated the most significant institutional impact. J. Karppinen was identified as the most prolific author, whereas M. Modic was the most frequently cited. Among journals, Spine accounted for the highest number of publications and citations. Key research hotspots identified through keyword analysis include “degenerative disease,” “bone marrow changes,” “abnormalities,” “type II changes,” “lower back,” “protrusion,” “discectomy,” “paraspinal muscles,” “obesity,” and “overweight”.
CONCLUSION: This study represents the first known bibliometric analysis and visualization of MC, offering clinicians valuable insights into research priorities and directions. Future investigations should prioritize the classification, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical significance of different types of MC, especially their roles in pain and functional impairment. Research should also explore the impact of obesity and paraspinal muscles on the progression of MC. Moreover, studies should examine the potential benefits of weight loss and muscle strengthening in alleviating symptoms. Finally, researchers should focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to improve the identification and understanding of MC.
Author: [‘Wei H’, ‘Lu H’, ‘Li L’, ‘Qu C’, ‘Zhang H’, ‘Ma X’]
Journal: Orthop Surg
Citation: Wei H, et al. Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research Relating to Spinal Modic Changes Reported Over the Period 2004-2024. Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research Relating to Spinal Modic Changes Reported Over the Period 2004-2024. 2025; (unknown volume):(unknown pages). doi: 10.1111/os.70162