• China dominates research output in animal models for osteonecrosis of the femoral head, contributing over 80% of English-language publications.
• Key research hotspots include steroid-induced necrosis mechanisms (e.g., oxidative stress-autophagy axis), stem cell/tissue engineering therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine interventions.
• The field exhibits a 'high output-low collaboration' pattern, indicating a need for enhanced international and interdisciplinary cooperation.
• Future directions emphasize cross-species validation, multi-omics integration, and synergistic development of Chinese and Western medicine to improve clinical translation.