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Online information on metal-on-metal THA seen as moderate for quality, accuracy
Investigators found metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty information found on websites was poor in quality, not always accurate and the reading level was inappropriately high, especially on media websites and medicolegal websites.
Researchers assessed 61 unique websites and performed an internet search using the terms “metal-on-metal hip replacement” and “metal hip replacement’. Patients were the main audience for 56% of the websites, with 44% of websites being either media websites or medicolegal websites. Website quality was the study’s primary outcome, which was assessed with the DISCERN score and the metal-on-metal total hip replacement (THA) score that the study researchers had created. A scoring system that has been used in previous studies was used to evaluate the accuracy of the websites. The Flesch-Kincaid grade level score was used to assess the readability. Quality and accuracy scores among groups were analyzed with comparative statistics.
The quality of the websites was modest at best, according to the DISCERN score and metal-on-metal THA score. Investigators noted the mean score for accuracy was 6.6, which demonstrated the information of the websites was also moderate. The lowest scores for both quality and accuracy were seen in media websites and medicolegal websites. According to researchers, a Flesch-Kincaid grade level at or less than the recommended level of 8th grade was seen in only one website. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.