The Academic Evolution of Lapidus Surgery: Trends, Innovations, and Future Directions

Aim: This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of Lapidus-related research to identify trends, key contributors, and emerging innovations in the field.Material and Methods: Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database, focusing on publications containing the keyword "Lapidus" in orthopaedic journals up to December 2024. Bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer were used to analyze publication trends, collaboration networks, and keyword co-occurrence. Metrics like citation counts, influential authors, and institutional contributions were evaluated to uncover the academic landscape of Lapidus-related research.Results: A total of 310 articles from 35 countries were included, with the United States leading in publications and citations. The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery was identified as the most productive journal. Key contributors, including Coughlin, Dayton, and Hyer, were highlighted for their significant impact, particularly in advancing the modified Lapidus procedure. Keywords such as "hallux valgus," "modified Lapidus," and "bunion" were the most frequent, with a noticeable rise in studies focusing on multiplanar corrections and modern fixation techniques since 2020.Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis underscores the growing prominence of the modified Lapidus procedure, driven by technological advancements and improved surgical outcomes. The findings reveal notable gaps in global collaboration, emphasizing the need for international partnerships. This study provides a comprehensive overview of current trends, offering a foundation for future clinical research and innovation in hallux valgus correction.