Internet Promotion of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery in Total Knee Arthroplasty by Members of American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) surgical options in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have recently prompted increased discussion. This study addresses the question, “What is the level of promotion of MIS and CAOS TKAs through the Internet by American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) members?” Google, Yahoo, and Excite were used to search for Web sites related to active members of the AAHKS. Web sites were evaluated for MIS and CAOS TKAs information. Direct (surgeon/private practice) and indirect (institution/hospital) information from each site was evaluated. Seven hundred eighteen active AAHKS members were found to have 727 total Web sites. These sites (8.4% and 12.7%) made indirect and direct reference to MIS TKA, respectively ( P < .01). In contrast, MIS-specific TKA risks were presented by only 55.7% and 25% of the sites, respectively ( P < .001). Computer-assisted orthopedic surgery TKA was discussed in 4.3% and 5.6% of these sites, respectively ( P < 1.0). Although our findings confirm that MIS and CAOS TKAs are not commonly promoted via the Internet by members of the AAHKS, MIS and CAOS TKAs can potentially be associated with these surgeons via institutional Web sites or hospital affiliations (12.7% direct claims with an additional 8.4% indirect claims).