Comparing Diagnostic and Treatment Recommendations of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Available on the Internet With AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common diagnoses in a hand surgeon’s office, with estimated cost exceeding US $2 billion annually in the United States. Due to this prevalence and cost, patients often turn to the Internet for their medical care. It has been estimated that 72% of Internet users have looked online for health information in the last year. There is concern that patients may be getting misinformation with their Internet medical searches. Methods: An informal survey of the Internet was conducted to evaluate the content available to the public on the Internet and social media platforms regarding the diagnosis and treatment of CTS. The top 20 listings of 3 major search engines and information within 3 major social media sites were included. Results: Information gleaned from the search showed that while most listings were helpful in providing accurate diagnostic information and appropriate treatment modalities, there was also a great number of treatment modalities mentioned that may not be recommended by the treating physician. The guidelines established by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons both in 2007 and in 2008 and more recently in 2016 were used as a general reference but not directly compared with the informal Internet search for statistical analysis. Conclusions: This search outlines the importance of the information readily available to patients and how this may potentially alter patients’ expectations prior to their arrival in the office.