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

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze the most frequently searched questions associated with shoulder labral pathology and to evaluate the source-type availability and quality.

Methods

Common shoulder labral pathology-related search terms were entered into Google, and the suggested frequently asked questions were compiled and categorized. In addition, suggested sources were recorded, categorized, and scored for quality of information using JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) benchmark criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the types of questions and their associated sources, as well as the quality of sources.

Results

In this study, 513 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 nonmedical sites (1.05 vs 2.12, P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients searching the internet for information regarding shoulder labral pathology often look for facts regarding the diagnosis and management of their conditions. They use various source types to better understand their conditions, with government sources being of the highest quality, whereas medical sites showed statistically lower quality. Across the spectrum of questions, the quality of readily available resources varies substantially.

Clinical Relevance

The use of online resources in health care is expanding. It is important to understand the most commonly asked questions and the quality of information available to patients.