Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: Analysis of scientific production

Abstract

Introduction: The dehiscence of the semicircular canal is a rare and not very preva- lent peripheral vestibulopathy, characterized by a lack of bony coverage of the superior semicircular canal in the area closest to the dura of the middle cerebral fossa. Aim: To know current status and scientific quality of publications of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). Material and method: Bibliometric research with review, selection and analysis from ítems related with SSCD studies in the Pubmed database from 1998 to 2017. Results: 77% of publications were original articles, 12% reviews, 9% clinical cases, 2% letters and answers to the editor. The articles have been published in 108 journals. The top pu- blishing journal is Otology and Neurotology with 87 publications, followed by Head and Neck Surgery with 28 and Laryngoscope with 22. USA is the main global contributor to the world literature on this subject (42%) followed by Europe (33%). The publication reference langua- ge is English, with the 91% of publications (382). According to Lotka's index, the general production activity of the authors is at the middle/low level. According to JCR impact factor, there are 60% of the publications in Q1 (116 articles) and Q2 (141 articles) quartiles, which indicates that the quality is high. The subject of the publications has varied over time, being currently diagnostic with 34.3%, followed by treatment with 25.7%, the subjects that most interest. In recent years it has aroused interest in other areas such as neurology or radiology. Conclusion: The work on DCSS has a small number of authors, the publications are limited to a few journals, but of a high quality, and the current state of the subject is in phase of exponential growth.