In-depth Analysis of Adult Reconstruction Fellowship Websites

This investigation assessed the availability and comprehensiveness of adult reconstruction fellowship websites. A list of adult reconstruction fellowship programs was compiled using 4 online directories: American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, San Francisco Match, Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These directories and Google (Alphabet Inc, Menlo Park, California) searches were used to assess for the presence and functionality of websites for each program. Each website was reviewed for the presence of 21 variables related to education and recruitment. The relationship between several program characteristics and presence of a website or website comprehensiveness was evaluated. In total, 81 programs were identified, of which 80.2% (65 of 81) had a functional website and 19.8% (16 of 81) did not. The mean±SD number of variables present on a website was 11.3±3.8 of 21 total variables, equating to mean comprehensiveness of 54.0%. Fellowships affiliated with an orthopedic residency were more likely to have a website than those that were not (91.8% vs 62.5%, P=.001). Fellowships that were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education were more likely to have a website than those that were not (100.0% vs 73.8%, P=.009). Website comprehensiveness was not associated with any program characteristics assessed. This study highlights deficits in online resources available for adult reconstruction fellowship program information and the gap that exists between the current means of information sharing. Efforts to encourage an online presence and optimize a program's online content may be of benefit to prospective applicants and the program itself. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(5):e447-e453.].