Bibliometric Analysis of Charcot Arthropathy (1995–2025): Current Status and Emerging Trends

BACKGROUND: Charcot Arthropathy (CA) is a destructive joint condition tied to neurotrophic and neuropathic processes. The clinical course is often complicated-high amputation rates and a generally poor prognosis have long made management difficult. Decades of research have brought progress in basic science and clinical care, yet a clear, data-driven picture of the global research landscape and how it has shifted over time remains, in many ways, incomplete. OBJECTIVE: This study set out to map the core components, current hotspots, and emerging frontiers in the CA literature. METHODS: We focused on English-language publications in the Web of Science (WoS) database from 1995 to 2025. Using tools such as CiteSpace, the R package bibliometrix, and GraphPad, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the countries or regions, institutions, authors, collaboration patterns, journals, cited references, and keywords associated with CA-related publications. RESULTS: We screened 349 papers. Annual output has generally trended upward-perhaps a sign of growing interest in the field. The United States ranked first in both total publications (n = 180) and citations (n = 3949), and sat at the center of international collaboration networks. Key authors (e.g., Dane K. Wukich) and institutions (e.g., the University of Texas System) emerged as major contributors; their dense collaborations appear to drive much of the field's progress. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery published the most CA-related papers (n = 47). Current research hotspots appear to center on the foot and ankle, pathogenesis, and surgical treatment. Looking at keyword trends, the field seems to be moving toward biomechanics, advanced reconstruction, and three-dimensional imaging. CONCLUSION: This study is the first comprehensive mapping of CA literature over three decades. It highlights the United States' leading role and a shift toward technology in diagnosis and surgery. These findings may guide future research, collaboration, and clinical practice.