The Top 100 Cited Articles on Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty: A Bibliometric Analysis

Study DesignBibliometric analysis.ObjectivesTo identify and characterize the 100 most cited articles on lumbar disc arthroplasty (LDA) to better understand influential contributions to the field and highlight key trends in research focus and collaboration.MethodsA Web of Science search for "lumbar disc arthroplasty" OR "lumbar disc replacement" was conducted on December 1, 2024. The top 100 articles by citation count were screened for inclusion. Extracted variables included number of citations, authorship, journal, publication year, institution, and keyword frequency. Citation trends and networks were analyzed using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix package in RStudio. ResultsThe 100 most cited articles were published between 2002 and 2018, with citation counts ranging from 27 to 377 (mean 66.6). The most cited study was a 2005 FDA investigational device trial on the CHARITÉ™ disc. Publication volume peaked in 2007. <i>Spine</i> was the leading journal (N = 38), followed by <i>European Spine Journal</i> (N = 20). Mayer HM, Siepe CJ, and McAfee PC were the most prolific authors. Network analysis identified 18 author clusters, demonstrating strong self-citation patterns and institutional concentration in North America and Europe. Keyword analysis showed recurring focus on "lumbar spine," "degenerative disc disease," and "prosthesis design".ConclusionsInfluential LDA research has been shaped by a concentrated group of authors, institutions, and journals. While academic interest has been sustained, clinical adoption of LDA has lagged. Aligning future research efforts with clinical application may help support broader integration of motion-preserving technologies in spine surgery.