The application of ultrasonography to the masticatory system: A bibliometric analysis

Aim: This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on ultrasound use in the masticatory system and establish a scientific foundation for future research. Methods: A literature search of the Web of Science database was completed in August 2024, following preliminary scans and searches conducted before August 2, 2024, to refine the approach. A total of 205 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Bibliometric analysis and data visualization were performed using VOSviewer and the R package Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny). Results: The first study on this topic was published in 1991. The highest number of publications and citations occurred in 2023. Turkey was the top producer of articles, whereas Japan had the greatest impact. The Universidade Estadual de Campinas published the most papers, and the Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, was the most cited institution. Stavros Kiliaridis emerged as the most prolific author, and Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology (OOOO Journal) was the most productive journal. Conclusions: This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and visualization of research on ultrasound use in the masticatory system using literature from the Web of Science Core Collection database covering 1991 to 2024. The current focal areas and future research avenues were identified. This research also clarified the historical foundations and prevailing trends in ultrasound application within this field, offering a nuanced perspective for scholars.