A Scientometric Analysis of the 100 Most Cited Articles on Pallidotomy

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Pallidotomy is the oldest stereotactically performed neurosurgical procedure for movement disorders. Consequently, there is a wealth of literature available on the topic. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this analysis was to identify the top-cited articles on pallidotomy in order to discern the origins, spread, the current trends, and the future directions of this surgical procedure. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a search of the Web of Science database on 19 October 2020 using the keyword “pallidotomy.” The top-100 cited articles found were arranged in descending order on the basis of citation count (CC) and citation per year (CY). Relevant conclusions were derived. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The 100 top-cited articles were published between 1961 and 2017, in 24 journals. The average CC and CY were 118.1 (range – 856–46) and 5.326 (range – 29.52–2.09), respectively. The 3 most prolific authors were Lang AE (Neurologist – Toronto), Lozano AM (Neurosurgeon – Toronto), and Vitek JL (Neurologist – Atlanta). The Journal of Neurosurgery published the highest number of top-cited articles [Neurology. 1960;10:61–9]. The maximum articles were from the USA. University of Toronto and Emory University were the most productive institutions. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Pallidotomy has gone through several ebbs and flows. Unilateral pallidotomy is currently recommended for the treatment of motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. The need for further research and improved technology to make the technique safer and prove its efficacy is highlighted, especially keeping in mind a large number of populations to which the prohibitively expensive deep brain stimulation is unavailable.