Readability and Reliability of Online Information Regarding Patellar Instability.

Background: Assessment of readability and reliability of online resources for orthopedic patients is an area of growing interest, but there is currently limited reporting on this topic for patellar instability (PI) and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR).

Methods: Utilizing the Searchresponse.io dataset, we analyzed inquiries related to PI and MPFLR. Readability and reliability were assessed using the Automated Reading Index, Flesch Reading Ease, and the JAMA benchmark criteria.

Results: Analysis of 363 frequently asked questions from 130 unique websites revealed a predominant interest in fact-based information. Readability assessments indicated that the average grade level of the resources was significantly higher than the 6th grade level and reliability varied between resources.

Conclusion: Although the internet is an easily accessible resource, we demonstrate that PI and MPFLR resources are written at a significantly higher reading level than is recommended, and there is inconsistent reliability amongst resources with medical practice websites demonstrating the lowest reliability.