YouTube Videos on Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation Lack Accuracy and Quality

To evaluate the accuracy and informational quality of YouTube videos related to osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation as a potentially valuable educational resource for patients and health care professionals.

A systematic analysis of YouTube videos retrieved through a predefined search strategy using the key words "osteochondral allograft" was performed. Videos were categorized by content sources, such as health care professionals with and without commercial bias, individuals, or personal testimonials. The video's duration, the publication date, and number of likes and views were recorded. To evaluate the accuracy, reliability and quality of video content, each video was assessed using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, Global Quality Score (GQS), DISCERN, and a newly developed Osteochondral Allograft Quality (OCA-QAL) score, designed specifically for this procedure.

In total, 80 YouTube videos were included. Overall, the quality of OCA-related YouTube videos was low, with mean scores of 2.16 (JAMA), 2.28 (GQS), 32.58 (DISCERN), and 5.71 (OCA-QAL). Only one video was rated as "excellent" on OCA-QAL, and none achieved full points on JAMA or GQS. Video categories included educational content with (27.5%) or without (51.3%) commercial bias for health care professionals, content for nonhealth care individuals (13.8%), and testimonials (7.5%). Strong positive correlations emerged between OCA-QAL, GQS, and DISCERN scores, whereas views and likes did not predict quality.

YouTube videos on OCA transplantation generally do not meet the quality standards like peer-reviewed validation necessary for reliable patient education. Given the low quality of available content, health care providers should be cautious in recommending YouTube as a resource for OCA transplantation information and should guide patients to more rigorously reviewed resources.

As cartilage procedures like OCA transplantation become more common, surgeons and patients lack reliable online resources. This study underscores the need for improved digital health content to ensure accurate and trustworthy patient education.