Unraveling the Scientific Landscape of Osteoarthritis: Dynamics of Publications over Five Decades

Osteoarthritis is a disabling condition with highly complex overall management and persistent shortcomings, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. Although research in the field has grown considerably in recent years alongside technological advancements, a cohesive and structured understanding of the evolution of the scientific literature, particularly regarding clinical management and outcome evaluation, remains insufficiently developed. To date, most bibliometric analyses in osteoarthritis have focused narrowly on specific subdomains, leaving a notable gap in comprehensive assessments of the broader clinical framework. This study addresses that gap through an integrated, structured, and visual approach using multiple bibliometric techniques targeting osteoarthritis diagnosis and management, aiming to guide future research and improve strategic development. Scientific publication in osteoarthritis has expanded exponentially, peaking in 2024 with 1234 documents. The United States led in both output and citation impact, while China showed rapid growth. <i>Osteoarthritis and Cartilage</i> emerged as the most influential journal. Australian institutions, especially the University of Sydney, demonstrated a remarkable ascent. Five global research clusters were identified, with the U.S. as the central node and Australia serving as a bridge between Western and Asian collaborations. Research themes evolved toward integrated models connecting biological mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and patient-centered outcomes. This bibliometric assessment underscores exponential growth in osteoarthritis research and highlights the urgent need for more personalized, multidimensional evaluation strategies to enhance clinical translation.