Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Global research on hand tendon repair has grown fluctuantly over the past two decades, with the US, China, and Europe as major contributors. • Flexor tendon repair research emphasizes biomechanics and novel materials, while extensor tendon repair focuses on functional recovery and complex injuries. • Biomaterials and regenerative medicine are emerging as key research hotspots, driving precision medicine in tendon repair. • Future advancements will rely on interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced material integration to optimize repair outcomes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The tendon suturing technique for the hand has been continuously innovated with the development of biomechanics, minimally invasive techniques, and regenerative medicine. Over the past two decades, research has focused on optimizing traditional suturing techniques and the application of new repair materials, improving the effectiveness of tendon repair and the level of functional recovery in the hand. OBJECTIVE: To assess the global research status and development trends of hand tendon repair techniques over the past two decades through bibliometric analysis, identify research hotspots and their evolution. METHODS: Relevant literature was selected from the Web of Science database from 2005 to 2024, and bibliometric methods were employed for analysis. Data were organized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed for publication trends using the R language Bibliometrix package. VOSviewer was used to visualize keyword co-occurrence and collaboration networks, while CiteSpace was utilized to identify research hotspots and their temporal evolution. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Over the past two decades, research in the field of tendon suturing has shown a fluctuating growth trend. The United States, China, and Europe are the main contributing countries, with the United States occupying a central position in the global research network. Research on flexor tendon repair mainly focuses on biomechanics and the development of new repair materials, while extensor tendon research emphasizes postoperative functional recovery and complex injury repair. In recent years, biomaterials and regenerative medicine have gradually become research hotspots, promoting the application of precision medicine in tendon repair. In the future, interdisciplinary collaboration and the combination of advanced materials will further optimize hand tendon repair techniques.
1. Introduction
Hand tendon repair has always been a core challenge in hand surgery. Traditional repair techniques, such as the Kessler and modified Kessler suture methods, are widely used clinically, but complications such as tendon adhesion, repair site rupture, and insufficient functional recovery remain unresolved [1-5].
Over the past 20 years, with the deepening of biomechanical research, innovation in minimally invasive surgical techniques, and the rapid development of regenerative medicine [6-8], researchers have not only focused on optimizing the mechanical properties of traditional suture techniques [9-11], but also actively explored the application of novel repair materials [12-14], and promoted the shift from routine postoperative rehabilitation to individualized and precise approaches [15-17]. However, research in this field is highly fragmented and interdisciplinary, spanning basic biomechanics, materials science, cell biology, and clinical rehabilitation, making it difficult to systematically grasp global research dynamics, identify core research hotspots, and predict future trends.
Currently, there is a lack of systematic and quantitative analysis of the global research landscape in hand tendon repair over the past two decades. Bibliometrics, as a mature method for quantitatively analyzing literature systems to reveal disciplinary development patterns and research hotspot evolution, can effectively fill this gap. It transcends the subjective limitations of traditional reviews and, through objective data mining, accurately depicts the knowledge structure of the field, identifies key contributors and institutions, and tracks the dynamic shifts of research hotspots.
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Zhou Ningyu, Zheng Yuxiang, Zhang Xiaoyang, Weng Yuxun, Yang Yinrui, Zhou Qijian, Zheng Jinchen, Liu Hongying, Sun Chenchen, Liu Zheng (2026). Hand tendon suturing: optimization of traditional suture techniques and application of novel repair materials. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. https://doi.org/10.12307/2026.21474
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main research hotspots in hand tendon repair over the past two decades?
The main research hotspots include optimization of traditional suture techniques, development of novel repair materials, and the application of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Flexor tendon repair focuses on biomechanics and materials, while extensor tendon repair emphasizes functional recovery and complex injuries.
Which countries are leading in hand tendon repair research?
The United States, China, and European countries are the main contributors, with the United States holding a central position in the global research network.
What methods were used in this bibliometric analysis?
We used Web of Science core collection data from 2005-2024, analyzed publication trends with R's Bibliometrix package, visualized keyword co-occurrence and collaboration networks with VOSviewer, and used CiteSpace to identify research hotspots and their temporal evolution.
What are the future directions in hand tendon repair?
Future directions include interdisciplinary collaboration, integration of advanced materials, and the application of precision medicine to further optimize repair techniques and functional outcomes.
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