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Figure 10. Timeline diagram illustrating the changes in keyword clusters over time

applications. Between 2022 and 2023, keywords such as and potential application scenarios. However, to date,
“scaffolds” and “osteochondral repair” gained prominence, no visualized analysis of global trends in bone/cartilage
highlighting the recent emphasis on bone and cartilage organoid research has been conducted. In this study, we
repair and the clinical application of organoids. This performed such an analysis and identified a consistently
evolution demonstrates a transition from foundational increasing trend in publications and RRI indices, indicating
research, such as stem cell differentiation and extracellular a promising future for bone/cartilage organoid research.
matrix studies, to applied research centered on tissue repair, The dominance of the USA in this field is unsurprising,
biomaterials, and clinical translation. given its robust research funding and well-established
academic and industry networks. Previous bibliometric
4. Discussion studies have similarly identified the USA as a key leader in
4.1. Global research status and trends organoid and tissue engineering research, 44,47 with China
rapidly emerging as a significant player, demonstrating
A novel platform that replicates the physiological impressive growth in recent years. This growing presence
conditions and pathological changes in bone and cartilage of China reflects its increasing investment in biotechnology
is urgently needed. Bone/cartilage organoids bridge the research and the strengthening academic infrastructure.
gap between ex vivo cell cultures, animal models, and Countries such as Japan and Germany also continue to
the actual pathological states observed in human bodies. make substantial contributions, underscoring the global
In the long term, bone/cartilage organoids, with their nature of advancements in this field.
ability to incorporate multiple variables, could model
the pathophysiological characteristics of bone/cartilage Interestingly, the citation patterns observed in our
disorders, providing new opportunities for drug screening analysis reflect the typical dynamics in scientific research:
and therapeutic strategies. However, the application of older studies tend to accrue more citations over time,
43
bone/cartilage organoids is still limited by challenges such whereas newer publications require additional time to gain
as a lack of reproducibility, low levels of maturity and recognition and establish their impact. This phenomenon is
functionality, and the absence of appropriate readouts. particularly evident in high-impact papers, which may take
44
In recent years, numerous researchers have proposed longer to be fully cited and integrated into the scientific
significant strategies to address these challenges in the field discourse.
45
of organoid research. Hu et al. introduced the concept Our analysis also highlighted the importance of the
and design of bone/cartilage organoids on-chip and their H-index as a measure of both research productivity and
application in bone/cartilage disease models, drawing on impact. The USA and China are the clear leaders in terms of
advancements in musculoskeletal organoid research and overall research output, while countries, such as Australia
cellular crosstalk within the osteochondral unit. Faeed and the Netherlands stand out in terms of impact per
et al. provided a comprehensive summary of insights and publication. This disparity can be attributed to differences
46
research progress on osteochondral organoids, focusing in national research assessment systems. For example,
on their composition, materials, cell sources, cultivation China’s emphasis on measurable outputs may prioritize
methods, as well as the concept of organoids on chips, quantity, while Australia and the Netherlands may adopt

Volume 1 Issue 3 (2025) 10 doi: 10.36922/or.8295