Abstract
This study utilizes bibliometric tools VOSviewer and CiteSpace to analyze the research hotspots, development trends, and emerging dynamics in the field of internal fixation materials (IFM) from 2004 to 2024. The dataset used in this study is publicly available at https://github.com/Lin1Xiao2Zhou3/VOS-CiteSpace-Datasets, and its permanent digital object identifier link is https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14277420. IFM are crucial in orthopedics for fracture fixation and bone healing. Traditional metallic materials, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys, have been widely used in clinical practice due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the biocompatibility issues of these materials limit their long-term clinical effectiveness. In recent years, research has shifted towards biodegradable materials, such as magnesium alloys and composites, to enhance biocompatibility and reduce the need for secondary surgeries. Through keyword co-occurrence and citation analysis, this study identifies key research themes, influential scholars, and leading institutions in the field. The results show that bioactive materials, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and their roles in promoting bone healing have emerged as core research priorities. Temporal trends indicate that the introduction of novel materials, advancements in composites, and the application of biomedical engineering technologies have become key directions in research. Future studies are expected to focus on personalized and intelligent designs, as well as improving biocompatibility, to meet clinical needs and improve patient outcomes. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the development of IFM, offering valuable insights for academic and clinical researchers (additional background details are available in File S1, Supplemental Digital Content, https://links.lww.com/MD/Q714 and extended results can be found in File S3, Supplemental Digital Content, https://links.lww.com/MD/Q715).