Global research trends in chondroblastoma: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2025

Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign but locally aggressive bone tumor that predominantly affects the epiphyses of skeletally immature patients. Despite its clinical importance, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the global chondroblastoma literature has never been performed. This study aimed to quantify and characterize the global scientific output on chondroblastoma over a 25-year period. A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was conducted for publications on chondroblastoma from January 2000 to December 2025. Bibliometric indicators including publication trends, citation metrics, country/institution/author/journal distributions, Bradford's law, and keyword co-occurrence networks were analyzed using Python and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). A total of 740 publications (601 articles, 107 reviews, 32 records with combined/early-access designations) accumulated 14,407 citations (mean 19.47 per document; H-index = 56). Annual output increased from 13 in 2000 to 47 in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% and a marked acceleration after 2013. The United States (n = 226), China (n = 94), and Japan (n = 74) led in productivity. Harvard University (n = 58) and Mayo Clinic (n = 56) were the most productive institutions. Skeletal Radiology was the leading journal (n = 38; Bradford Zone 1). The most cited article (665 citations) reported H3F3B driver mutations in chondroblastoma. VOSviewer network analysis identified five keyword clusters and three distinct journal co-citation clusters spanning pathology, radiology, and orthopedic surgery. Global chondroblastoma research has grown substantially over 25 years, with acceleration following the landmark H3F3B mutation discovery in 2013. Emerging research hotspots include epigenetic pathogenesis, radiofrequency ablation, and craniofacial involvement. This first comprehensive bibliometric analysis provides an evidence-based roadmap for future research.