Evolution of Educational Models for Shoulder Reduction A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Study (2020-2025)
Background: Simulation-based education has become an essential component of procedural training in emergency medicine and orthopedics. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and competency-based medical education have led to the rapid development of educational models for shoulder reduction. However, the scientific evolution and research trends in this field have not been comprehensively evaluated.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the global scientific landscape of educational models for shoulder reduction by evaluating publication trends, citation performance, leading countries, authors, institutions, journals, and emerging research themes using bibliometric methods.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. Publications related to educational models for shoulder reduction published between 2020 and 2025 were retrieved using predefined search terms. Bibliographic data were exported in CSV format and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 365, Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny), and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). Publication characteristics, citation metrics, co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence analyses were performed to identify research productivity, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution.
Results: A total of 8,900 publications were identified during the study period, including 6,023 original articles and 1,012 review articles. The retrieved publications received 24,500 citations, with an average of 2.75 citations per publication. The United States was the leading contributor, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Türkiye. Keyword analysis identified “shoulder reduction,” “shoulder dislocation,” “simulation,” “medical education,” and “procedural skills” as the most frequently occurring terms. Network visualization demonstrated four major thematic clusters representing shoulder reduction techniques, simulation-based education, anatomical models, and emerging digital technologies such as 3D printing and virtual reality.
Conclusion: Scientific research on educational models for shoulder reduction has increased substantially between 2020 and 2025, reflecting the growing importance of simulation-based medical education. Current research is shifting from conventional teaching methods toward advanced technologies, including 3D printing and immersive virtual learning environments. These findings provide valuable insights into global research trends and may guide future educational innovations, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the development of standardized simulation-based training programs.
Keywords: Shoulder reduction; Shoulder dislocation; Simulation-based education; Medical education; Bibliometric analysis; Scopus; VOSviewer; Three-dimensional printing; Virtual reality; Orthopedic education.
