Public Interest in Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A 10-Year Google Trends Analysis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to characterize trends and public interest of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) between 2013 and 2023 in the United States utilizing Google Trends data to evaluate how patients seek information on ATRs online.

Methods: Using Google Trends health category for the United States and worldwide through a 10-year period (January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023), these search terms were queried: Achilles, Achilles tendon, Achilles tendon injury, Achilles tear, Achilles tendon rupture, Achilles repair, Achilles surgery, and Achilles rupture recovery.

Results: Several Achilles-related search terms demonstrated significant increases in interest in the United States, including Achilles, Achilles tendon, Achilles tear, Achilles repair, and Achilles surgery (all P ≤ .038). Worldwide, similar increases were seen, although aggregate global trends were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Public interest in Achilles tendon injuries significantly increased over the past decade in the United States, with a parallel rising trend worldwide. The greatest peaks in interest were corresponded with high-profile injuries, indicating the influence of media on public awareness. These trends suggest that patients are actively seeking information online, particularly regarding treatment options and outcomes. As such, these findings highlight the importance of meeting this demand through the creation of accurate and accessible online educational content about ATRs.

Level of evidence: Level IV.