XR (extended reality: virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality) technology applications in orthopedic field
Fang Luo, Yunxiang Hu, Sanmao Liu, Rui Yang · Medicine · 2025
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis to explore the current state and emerging trends of XR (extended reality: virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality) technology applications in orthopedics. METHOD: Scholarly publications from January 1, 2000, to June 20, 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science and analyzed using bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R. RESULTS: A total of 551 publications from 234 journals, authored by 2624 researchers across 1613 institutions in 53 countries/regions, were included. The United States led in publication volume (128, 23.79%), with Johns Hopkins University as the most productive institution (19, 3.53%). Edstrom, Erik was the most prolific author (15, 2.79%), and the International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery had the highest publication count (36, 6.69%). Frequently used keywords included "augmented reality," "surgical navigation," and "navigation," while research hotspots focused on topics like "total knee arthroplasty," "mixed reality," and "osteoarthritis." CONCLUSION: This study offers a comprehensive overview of research trends and advancements in XR technology applications within orthopedics, highlighting collaborative efforts among authors, institutions, and countries, and providing insights for future research directions.