Patients With Shoulder Labral Tears Search the Internet to Understand Their Diagnoses and Treatment Options

Abstract

PurposeTo analyze the most frequently searched questions associated with shoulder labral pathology and to evaluate the source type availability and quality. MethodsCommon shoulder labral pathology related search terms were entered into Google and the suggested frequently asked questions were compiled and categorized. Suggested sources were also recorded, categorized, and scored for quality of information utilizing Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the types of questions and their associated sources, as well as the quality of sources. ResultsFive-hundred and thirteen questions and 170 sources were identified and categorized. The most popular topics were Diagnosis/Evaluation (21.5%) and Indications/Management (21.1%.). The most common website types were Academic (27.9%), Commercial (25.2%), and Medical Practice (22.5%). Multiple statistically significant associations were found between specific question categories and their associated source types. The average JAMA quality score for all sources was 1.56 and medical websites had significantly lower quality scores than non-medical sites (1.05 vs 2.12, p<0.001). ConclusionPatients searching the internet for information regarding shoulder labral pathology often look for facts regarding the management of their condition. They use various source types to understand their conditions, with government sources being the highest quality, while medical sites showed statistically lower quality. Across the spectrum of questions, the quality of readily available resources varies substantially.