The Evolution of Scientific Research on Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are a serious medical concern, often leading to severe complications, long recovery times, and high healthcare costs.

Growing Interest in Electrical Burn Research

This bibliometric analysis examines research trends on electrical burns from 1946 to 2024, highlighting advancements, key contributors, and future research directions. With 1,456 articles published in 455 journals, the study reveals a gradual increase in scientific interest over the decades. The United States leads in research production, with Harvard University emerging as the top contributing institution.

Key Research Trends and Collaboration

One of the key findings is the dominance of surgical and reconstructive techniques in the field, with topics such as surgical flaps, skin transplantation, and electric injuries frequently studied. The research highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in improving treatment outcomes and reducing long-term complications. Notably, countries like China and Turkey have made significant contributions, though the citation impact of their studies remains relatively lower compared to Western institutions. International collaboration is essential for fostering innovation and sharing best practices in treatment and prevention strategies.

The Impact of RC Lee and Other Key Contributors

Among the most influential researchers in the field and chairman of CETRI is RC Lee. RC Lee’s research has had the most significant impact, accumulating 648 citations since his first publication in 1987. His research on the pathophysiology of electrical injuries has been instrumental in understanding cellular damage caused by electric forces, paving the way for improved treatment approaches. Other key contributors include XW Wang, who focused on reconstructive techniques, and BA Pruitt, who studied systemic complications related to burns. Their collective work has shaped modern burn treatment protocols.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for continued research and global collaboration in the field of electrical burns. While progress has been made in understanding injury mechanisms and treatment techniques, there remain gaps in prevention strategies and long-term patient care. By fostering cross-border partnerships and investing in innovative therapies, the medical community can enhance recovery outcomes and improve the quality of life for burn survivors worldwide.