Top 38 Cited Articles on Naso-Orbito-Ethmoid Fractures: A Bibliometric Analysis

BACKGROUND: Naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures are complex craniofacial injuries involving the central orbit, nasal bones, ethmoid complex, and adjacent skull base structures. Their management is technically demanding and spans multiple surgical specialties. Despite the clinical significance of these injuries, the literature addressing NOE fracture diagnosis and treatment remains heterogeneous. This study aimed to identify and analyze the most influential publications related to NOE fractures through bibliometric analysis. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection database. Articles related to NOE fractures were identified using Boolean search terms including "naso-orbito-ethmoid" and "NOE fracture." Results were sorted by citation count and screened for relevance. Thirty-eight articles focusing on NOE fractures in human subjects met the inclusion criteria. Extracted variables included citation count, citation density, publication year, country of origin, journal, and thematic category. RESULTS: The 38 included articles accumulated 395 citations in the Web of Science database, with a mean of 10.3 citations per article. Publication dates ranged from 1990 to 2024, with increased publication activity in the past decade. The most cited article received 54 citations. Mean citation density was 0.92 citations per year, with the highest citation density observed in "Surgical Management of NOE Fractures: A Systematic Review," averaging 3 citations per year. The United States produced the majority of the included publications. CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis highlights the most influential publications shaping the understanding and management of NOE fractures and provides insight into evolving research trends within this complex area of craniofacial trauma.