ReviewMedicine2026
Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in global reconstructive surgery: A bibliometric analysis.
Review in Medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSince the first case in 1984, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps have been globally utilized in surgical reconstruction of the head, neck, upper and lower extremities, breast, and phalloplasty, owing to their versatility, reliability, and minimal donor-site morbidity.
methodsThis bibliometric study aims to map research trends and knowledge of ALT flaps from January 1, 2004, to April 15, 2024, using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Citespace 6.3.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 were employed to assess the literature and conduct mapping.
resultsWe identified 2492 relevant publications, including 2284 original articles and 208 reviews. The analysis reveals a significant rise in ALT flap research, especially after 2017, with contributions from 67 countries and 1730 institutions. China and the USA lead in publication volume and international collaboration, with prominent institutions such as Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and UTMD Anderson Cancer Center at the forefront. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the most cited journal, highlighting its influence in the field. Keyword analysis points to a focus on "anterolateral thigh flap" and "reconstruction," with emerging topics like "phalloplasty" and "vascularized fascia lata."
conclusionThis study provides a comprehensive overview of the ALT flap research landscape, highlighting key contributions and emerging trends, and sets the stage for future advancements in reconstructive surgery.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.