Abstract
Objective
To analyze publication trends and descriptive patterns in PubMed-indexed literature on craniofacial cleft reconstruction from 2000 to 2025.
Design
Bibliometric analysis.
Setting
PubMed database.
Patients/Participants
Fifty-seven records were screened by title and abstract, and 41 articles met the eligibility criteria.
Interventions
None.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Annual publication trend and distribution of journals, study types, reconstructive themes, and follow-up patterns.
Results
The included literature was limited in volume and unevenly distributed across the study period. The earliest included article was published in 2003, and the highest annual output was observed in 2014 with 5 publications. Most studies were case reports, case series, or single-center retrospective experiences. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery was the most frequent publication venue, followed by Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal and Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. Recurrent themes included Tessier cleft subtypes, orbital and eyelid reconstruction, nasal and alar reconstruction, midfacial correction, and staged long-term management.
Conclusions
PubMed-indexed literature on craniofacial cleft reconstruction from 2000 to 2025 was limited and heterogeneous and was dominated by descriptive surgical reporting. The field remains driven largely by institution-specific experience, highlighting the need for standardized outcome reporting and longer structured follow-up.
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