Internet information quality for ten common foot and ankle diagnoses

Patients use the Internet regularly to access health-related information. This study's goal was to assess the quality and content of Internet-based information for common foot and ankle diagnoses.

We identified the ten most common foot and ankle diagnoses in our academic foot and ankle practice. Ten websites for each diagnosis were identified using two large Internet search engines. A custom grading form was used to determine website quality, based upon the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) principles, and information content. Four independent reviewers graded each website.

One hundred thirty-six unique websites were reviewed. Average HON score was 62.4 (range, 52.3-68.8) and content score was 49.7 (range, 33.8-62.1) out of a maximum of 100. Interobserver variability was low.

The overall quality of Internet information for common foot and ankle diagnoses is variable, raising concerns about what information is currently available to patients.