Our Summary
This research paper looks at how often researchers cite their own work in the field of Maxillofacial Surgery (MFS) - which is surgery on the face, mouth, and jaws. The researchers used two databases, Web of Science and Scopus, to analyze a variety of factors related to self-citation in MFS research, including the H-index (a measure of a scientist’s productivity and impact), the number of MFS-related articles, and the number of articles that cite these works.
They found 70,288 articles and identified 200 authors from 25 countries who were particularly prolific in MFS literature. The rate of self-citation among these authors was 46.94%, which is quite high. However, they found that the amount an author cited their own work had little to do with their H-index, the number of MFS articles they wrote, or their total number of publications.
The researchers conclude that self-citation isn’t necessarily a bad thing and shouldn’t be vilified. Instead, it should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. They also highlight that self-citation is likely tied to an author’s productivity, expertise, and the unique dynamics of emerging research fields within MFS.
FAQs
- What is the focus of this research paper on Maxillofacial Surgery (MFS)?
- What was the rate of self-citation found among authors in the field of Maxillofacial Surgery in this study?
- How does the rate of an author’s self-citation relate to their H-index, the number of MFS articles they wrote, or their total number of publications according to this research?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes avoiding certain medications, following a specific diet, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. By following these instructions closely, you can help ensure a successful outcome and promote a speedy recovery.
Suitable For
Patients who may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery include those with:
Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered injuries to the face, mouth, or jaws due to accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents may require maxillofacial surgery to repair fractures, lacerations, or other damage.
Craniofacial anomalies: Individuals born with congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, or other facial deformities may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to improve their appearance, speech, and overall quality of life.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients experiencing pain, clicking, or restricted movement in the jaw joint may undergo maxillofacial surgery to address underlying issues and alleviate symptoms.
Orthognathic surgery: Individuals with misaligned jaws, overbites, underbites, or other bite-related problems may undergo orthognathic surgery to improve their facial symmetry, bite function, and overall oral health.
Oral pathology: Patients with oral tumors, cysts, infections, or other abnormal growths in the mouth may require maxillofacial surgery to remove the affected tissue and prevent further complications.
Sleep apnea: Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing-related disorders may undergo maxillofacial surgery to reposition the jaw or soft tissues in the throat to improve airflow during sleep.
Dental implants: Patients missing teeth or requiring tooth replacement may undergo maxillofacial surgery to place dental implants in the jawbone for support and stability.
Overall, maxillofacial surgery may be recommended for a wide range of patients with various facial, oral, and jaw-related conditions to improve their function, aesthetics, and quality of life.
Timeline
Before maxillofacial surgery:
- Patient experiences symptoms or issues with their face, mouth, or jaws that require surgical intervention.
- Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and plan for surgery.
- Pre-operative assessments, tests, and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
- Patient receives information about the surgery, including risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
- Surgery date is scheduled, and patient may need to make preparations such as fasting before the procedure.
After maxillofacial surgery:
- Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under anesthesia.
- Post-operative care and monitoring are provided to manage pain, swelling, and potential complications.
- Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a period of time for recovery and observation.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
- Patient may need to undergo additional treatments such as physical therapy or speech therapy to aid in recovery.
- Long-term follow-up is required to monitor the success of the surgery and address any long-term effects or complications.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about maxillofacial surgery include:
- What specific procedure are you recommending for me and why?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- What is the expected recovery time and what type of aftercare will I need?
- Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
- How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
- Can you provide me with information about your success rates with this procedure?
- Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before the surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any risks associated with it?
- How much pain or discomfort can I expect after the surgery and how will it be managed?
- What should I do if I have any concerns or questions before or after the surgery?
Reference
Authors: Grillo R, Quinta Reis BA, Lima BC, Peral Ferreira Pinto LA, Melhem-Elias F. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2025 Feb;53(2):134-141. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2024.11.013. Epub 2024 Nov 26. PMID: 39592377