Useful and useless publications measured by bibliometrics and scientometrics in orthopaedic surgery. Are the relevance of a journal and publication metrics useful enough for the scientific promotion of surgeons?

Excerpt

Science is driven by the publication of novel ideas and experiments in peer-reviewed scientific journals and books [1]. To affect clinical practice, research findings need to be important and be presented properly; the data should be integral and transparent [2]. Universities are trusted to know best about research because it is assumed that academics strive for excellence in science. This is evidence, however huge differences in quality between individuals exist, especially in crowded universities. The end result could be average science and mediocrity [3‐7]. One method to guarantee excellence in science is to find, support and allow independent work of scientists in order to promote and validate new ideas. In this way, education and research has the opportunity to stay ahead in the rankings. Yet, in the game of end results citation metrics and notoriety could be biased. …