AB255. An analysis of internet based information on Tennis Elbow

Background: Lateral epcondylitis or Tennis Elbow is a common condition effecting men and women equally, occurring in 50% of tennis players as well as those who do repetitive grip and lifting tasks. For many patients, the internet is a major source of health related information. The quality of information obtained from the web remains apocryphal. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readability and quality of information available on the internet about lateral epicondylitis

Methods: Using the 5 most commonly accessed search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing, Yandex and Ask), a search for “Lateral Epichondylitis” and “Tennis Elbow” was conducted. One hundred Web sites were reviewed. Each Web site was classified according to authorship and quality of information presented was assessed using recognized scoring systems; The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) and DISCERN criteria. Readability of each web site was determined using the Gunning Fog Index, Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease score and Flesch Kincaid Grade Level, and the presence of the Health on the Net code, was noted.

Results: One hundred Web sites were identified and analyzed. The mean for JAMA benchmark score was 2.1, while the mean for DISCERN score was 27.82. Of the web sites, 40% were HoN code certified. These did show a relatively high DISCERN score. Readability scores showed a mean of 8.7 for the GF Index, 7.9 for the FK grade and 55.06 for the FK ease score.

Conclusions: Despite posing a significant management problem for Orthopaedic Surgeons, the quality of online information regarding Lateral Epicondylitis is varied and unrefined which may lead to altered patient management expectations. Patients should be counseled about online resources to ensure they can inform themselves appropriately.

Keywords: DISCERN; Internet; The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA); lateral epichondylitis; readability