Analysis of the Researchers’ Citation of Retracted Articles in the Field of Orthopedics

Retracted articles have increased significantly in number. Orthopedic researchers should not use the results of retracted articles in their papers. The purpose of this research is to identify the reasons for citing retracted orthopedic articles by researchers.

This study was conducted with a descriptive-survey approach. Retraction Watch was used to extract the articles. For each of the articles, Google Scholar was used to identify the citing authors. Web of Science and Scopus databases were used to collect and review the scientometric indicators of the journals. Databases and journal websites were utilized to check the open-access status of the articles. A standard questionnaire was sent to the authors by email. Statistical analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the articles’ citation and open access to them.

A total of 796 articles were retrieved, showing an increase in recent years. These articles are mostly published in top quartile journals. A large number of the researchers were not aware of the retraction status of their cited articles and also did not have a strategy to check the sources of their articles. Most of the authors stated that the reviewer or editor did not give them a warning about the retracted article. The researchers declared that the article has been used in their discussion section. There was a significant relationship (p-value=0.002) between the citation frequency and access type of retracted orthopedic articles.

Authors should pay more attention to the ethical principles of research in order to prevent the spread and publication of retracted articles. Authors should not cite retracted orthopedic articles in their papers, as this is dangerous for the patients’ health.