Ultrasound Imaging, Guidance, and Treatment for Shoulder-related Pain Syndrome: A Bibliometric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound imaging is shown to be superior to other imaging tools for the evaluation of shoulder disorders in a primary care settings. In addition to its diagnostic utility, ultrasound diathermy is useful as a deep heat modality for the management of shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN: In this study, we analyzed the bibliometric data of publications that have focused on ultrasound imaging/therapy for shoulder-related pain syndrome.

METHODS: We searched the Web of Science (WoS) database for articles published between January 1, 1976, and June 24, 2022. The CiteSpace Version 6.1R2 software was used to analyze publication output, authoritative journals/countries/institutions/authors, keywords, references, and citations.

RESULTS: We analyzed 1185 articles in this study and observed a significant trend of an increase in publications per year (beta coefficient 1.8165, R2 = 0.7519, P < 0.001). The maximum number of relevant citations was identified in 2009, and these declined in subsequent years. The Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, the United States of America, and the League of European Research Universities were identified as the journal, country, and institution with the highest number of publications, respectively. Keyword analysis revealed that "ultrasonography" showed the strongest citation bursts, followed by "arthroscopic findings" and "painful shoulders."

LIMITATIONS: We only analyzed publications indexed in the WoS because most indicators required for bibliometric analysis can be efficiently extracted from its website.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights a significant trend of an increase in the number of publications focused on ultrasound imaging for shoulder-related pain syndrome. Ultrasound was shown to be a highly popular imaging modality among health care practitioners for the evaluation of shoulder disorders. Randomized controlled trials and state-of-the-art reviews are warranted to boost the citation count and conclusively establish the role of ultrasound applications in patients with shoulder pain syndrome.