The Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Anterolateral Ligament: A Bibliometric Analysis and Review

Abstract

Objectives To conduct a bibliometric analysis aimed at evaluating the 100 most frequently cited articles concerning the anterolateral ligament (ALL). Methods A thorough search was executed using the Scopus database with the keyword "Anterolateral Ligament." The analysis incorporated technical notes, systematic reviews focusing on clinical outcomes and/or complications, clinical studies, and foundational scientific articles (both cadaveric and biomechanical). Case reports or personal opinion articles were omitted from the review. The 100 articles with the highest citation counts were examined using the Bibliometrix R-package software, which evaluated total citations, study type, country of origin, journal of publication, affiliated institution, and most prolific authors. Results The 100 articles accumulated 11,192 citations, ranging from 44 to 703 per article. Most articles (69) were published between 2015 and 2017, predominantly focusing on anatomical and biomechanical studies. The United States was the leading country of publication (29%), followed by the United Kingdom (15%), Brazil (14%), France (13%), and Belgium (8%). The top five journals were the American Journal of Sports Medicine (31%), Arthroscopy (17%), Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (17%), Arthroscopy Techniques (5%), and Skeletal Radiology (4%). The most prolific authors were Sonnery-Cottet (21), Helito (17), with Musahl, Saithna, and Thaunat each contributing 11 articles. Sonnery-Cottet had the highest citation count, with 2,421. Conclusion The analysis reveals that research on the ALL is growing, with significant contributions in anatomy and biomechanics. However, further studies are needed to establish the best indications for reconstruction and optimal surgical techniques.

Keywords: bibliometric analysis; knee; ligaments, articular; publications.

Fig. 1

Anterolateral aspect of the knee, highlighting the relationship between the ALL, Lateral Collateral Ligament, and Popliteus Tendon. Abbreviations: FH, fibular head; GT, Gerdy tubercle; LM, lateral meniscus. Source: Ariel de Lima et al.

Fig. 2

Flowchart illustrating the article selection procedure for the top 100 most cited articles on ALL.

Fig. 3

Distribution of the top 100 most cited articles on the ALL over the years. ( A ) All articles were published between 2012 and 2021. ( B ) Distribution of citations over the years.

Fig. 4

Distribution of the top 100 most cited articles on ALL according to the country of origin.

Fig. 5

Distribution of the top 100 most cited articles on ALL. ( A ) Top 10 authors with the most articles on the list. ( B ) Top 10 authors with the most citations.

Fig. 1

Aspecto anterolateral do joelho, destacando a relação entre o Ligamento Anterolateral, o Ligamento Colateral Lateral e o Tendão Poplíteo. Notas: Ligamento Anterolateral; Ligamento Colateral Lateral; ● Tendão Poplíteo. Abreviações: CF, cabeça fibular; TG, tubérculo de Gerdy; ML, menisco lateral. Nota: Imagem gentilmente cedida por Ariel de Lima et al.

Fig. 2

Fluxograma ilustrando o procedimento de seleção de artigos para os 100 artigos mais citados sobre o Ligamento Anterolateral.

Fig. 3

Distribuição dos 100 artigos mais citados sobre o ligamento anterolateral (LAL) ao longo dos anos. ( A ) Todos os artigos mais citados foram publicados entre 2012 e 2021. ( B ) Distribuição de citações dos artigos mais citados sobre LAL ao longo dos anos.

Fig. 4

Distribuição dos 100 artigos mais citados sobre o ligamento anterolateral (LAL) por país de origem.

Fig. 5

Distribuição dos 100 artigos mais citados sobre o ligamento anterolateral. ( A ) Dez principais autores com os artigos mais citados. ( B ) Dez principais autores com mais citações.