Web-based information on minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty
Sanjay Meena1, Aravindh Palaniswamy, Buddhadev Chowdhury
1Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong Kong)
|December 25, 2013
Summary
Online information on minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often insufficient. Most websites lack details on surgical technique, patient eligibility, and risks, despite promoting TKA benefits.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Medical Information Dissemination
Background:
- The internet is a primary source for health information.
- Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a growing surgical option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quality and content of online information regarding minimally invasive TKA.
- Assess the comprehensiveness of details on surgical technique, patient eligibility, and risks.
Main Methods:
- Searched Google, Yahoo, and MSN for 'minimally invasive knee replacement'.
- Analyzed the top 50 websites from each search engine for authorship and content.
- Evaluated 150 unique websites for specific information categories.
Main Results:
- Websites were primarily authored by hospitals/universities (51%) and private medical groups (26%).
- Only 18% described surgical technique, 9% patient eligibility, and 25% risks.
- A significant majority (82%) claimed advantages, but only 3% cited peer-reviewed publications.
Conclusions:
- Online resources for minimally invasive TKA frequently lack essential details.
- Patients seeking information on minimally invasive knee replacement may encounter incomplete or biased content.
- Further efforts are needed to ensure accurate and comprehensive online patient education for TKA.
