Mapping a Decade of Osteoporosis and Fracture Research: A Bibliometric Analysis (2015-2025).

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a major global health concern, affecting over 200 million individuals worldwide. Although numerous clinical and experimental studies exist, comprehensive analyses integrating fracture-related and drug-specific research remain limited. Examining global research trends can highlight evolving themes, key contributors, and areas requiring scientific attention.

METHODS

We performed a bibliometric analysis of literature on osteoporosis and fractures, including drug-specific terms (denosumab, romosozumab, teriparatide), published between 2015 and 2025 in the Scopus Core Collection. Data were assessed for publication trends, authorship, institutional output, international collaboration, and thematic evolution using Bibliometrix-Biblioshiny in RStudio. Network analyses included co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence mapping for both quantitative and qualitative insights.

RESULTS

From 4,450 articles, annual output showed steady growth, peaking between 2021 and 2024. The United States, Japan, and China led in publication volume and citation impact, while Osteoporosis International was the most productive journal. Citation averages declined recently due to lag in newer publications. Thematic mapping identified pharmacological therapies such as denosumab and teriparatide as core themes, while "fracture prevention" and "DXA-based assessment" emerged as active research fronts. International collaboration decreased after 2020, particularly affecting contributions from low- and middle-income countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Global osteoporosis research demonstrates sustained productivity but declining collaboration and limited thematic diversification. Strengthening international networks, supporting underrepresented regions, and expanding focus to preventive and non-pharmacological strategies are essential for equitable and impactful progress.