Mapping the Footprint of Progress: A Decade of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Research
In a new bibliometric analysis featured on DiabeticFootOnline, researchers review the global expansion of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) research over the past decade (2014–2023), uncovering trends in publication volume, country contributions, scholarly influence, and emerging scientific themes.
Study Highlights:
- Exponential Growth: Annual DFU-related publications increased nearly threefold, from approximately 387 in 2014 to over 1,060 by 2023—reflecting growing scientific and clinical focus.
- Global Leaders: The United States led output (accounting for over 25% of total publications), with China, England, Australia, and Italy also showing strong upward trends. Major academic contributors included the University of Texas System and the University of Amsterdam.
- Top Scholar: Professor David G. Armstrong emerged as the most prolific and highly cited author, noted especially for his 2017 NEJM paper that reframed ulcer care by emphasizing ulcer-free days.
- Emerging Themes: While traditional topics remain central (“diabetic foot,” “risk factors,” “prevention”), newer hotspots include “ulcer recurrence,” nanotechnology (e.g., “hydrogels,” “exosomes”), and the integration of machine learning and deep learning into wound prediction and diagnostics.
Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis illustrates a maturing, interdisciplinary global research ecosystem in DFU care—driven by technology, innovation, and an evolving focus on prevention and long-term ulcer remission.
Keywords: David G. Armstrong, diabetic foot ulcer research, bibliometric analysis, ulcer recurrence, hydrogels, exosomes, machine learning, global research trend