Latarjet and Bankart Repairs: Instagram-Based Perception Analysis Shows Comparable Patient Experiences

Abstract

PurposeTo conduct a comprehensive analysis of public Instagram posts pertaining to Latarjet procedure and Bankart repair, with the aim of elucidating patients’ perspective on the perioperative process, satisfaction and expectations. Methods: Descriptive social media-based investigation using relevant hashtags associated with surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability, covering the period from January 2023 until January 2024. Posts were categorized by perspective, timing, content, tone and satisfaction. Results: 2,395 posts were retrieved, with 526 posts concerning surgical treatment of shoulder instability. 201 (37.9%) posts were authored by patients and 224 (42.3%) posts portrayed personal content and patient experience. The majority were neutral (308; 58.1%) or positive in tone (203; 38.3%). Rehabilitation was mentioned frequently by patients undergoing both procedures (49.2% of Bankart posts and 45.6% of Latarjet). Comparative analysis revealed no statistical differences regarding immobilization (P=0.229), rehabilitation (p=0.226), return to sport (p=0.464), tone (p=0.236) or expression of satisfaction (p=0.826) between both procedures. However, patients treated with Latarjet mentioned surgical site more frequently (p=0.011). There were no differences in mentions of complications (p=0.143). Complications were mentioned in 18 (9.6%) Bankart posts, most commonly recurrence, and in 10 (5.3%) of the Latarjet posts where the most mentioned was pain. Conclusion: Social media posts reflect mostly a neutral or positive patient experience in the surgical treatment of anterior instability. Bankart and Latarjet posts exhibited no differences regarding satisfaction, tone, return to work or activities of daily living. Mention of complications is rare. The most frequent for Bankart repair was recurrence, while for Latarjet posts was postoperative pain. Clinical relevanceThis analysis explores the relevance of social media as an instrument to gain insight into patient perception surgical intervention for anterior shoulder instability.