What patients want to know about shoulder arthroplasty: a Google search analysis

BackgroundPeople are increasingly turning to online search engines for health information. We analyzed Google search queries to determine the most frequently asked topics and questions related to shoulder arthroplasty and the sources of the websites provided to address these questions.MethodsSearch terms for shoulder arthroplasty were entered into Google. Machine learning–based natural language processing algorithms within Google were used to mine search logs to identify frequently asked questions about shoulder arthroplasty. These questions with their associated websites were extracted and categorized by two independent reviewers.ResultsA total of 300 questions were extracted with 156 associated websites. The most popular question topics were related to the timeline of recovery (16.3%), ability to perform specific activities (15.7%), technical details of surgery (14.3%), and activity restrictions (12%). Frequently asked questions had to do with the fastest means of recovery, duration of physical therapy, sling use, time spent sleeping upright in a recliner, time off work, location of surgical incision, resumption of sports, and the ability to use the bathroom. The most common websites provided to address the questions were academic (25.3%), private practice (23%), and government (20.3%).ConclusionThe most frequently asked questions on Google about shoulder arthroplasty centered around postoperative rehabilitation and restrictions, with information originating from variable sources. Our data can be used to counsel patients and set expectations about recovery and serve as a framework for the development of targeted patient education materials.Level of evidenceLevel VI; Descriptive Study