Evaluating the Educational Quality and Accuracy of Carpal Tunnel– and Cubital Tunnel–Related Videos on TikTok

Abstract

Background:

The increased utilization of social media platforms, including TikTok, has revolutionized the way that medical information is disseminated and consumed globally. Despite the benefits of rapidly accessible health information, the unregulated nature of TikTok raises significant concerns for the validity and reliability of medical advice. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the educational quality and accuracy of information presented on TikTok relating to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and cubital tunnel syndrome (CubTS), 2 common upper extremity conditions.

Methods:

A sample of CTS- and CubTS-related TikToks (n = 225) was identified on August 25, 2024, through specific search criteria, defined through hashtags, and filtered by the most liked videos, to select those with the greatest reach. Information extracted from each TikTok totaled 22 objective and subjective variables, in addition to 16 metrics from the DISCERN questionnaire, a proven tool for assessing consumer health information.

Results:

Videos by physicians made up the minority of content while having greater overall DISCERN score, but lower engagement compared with nonphysicians. Alternative-medicine videos included medical recommendations more often than traditional-medicine videos. These videos also were less balanced and unbiased than traditional-medicine videos. Harmful videos had greater engagement than nonharmful videos.

Conclusions:

This investigation revealed marked variability in both the quality and reliability of TikTok videos related to CTS and CubTS, demonstrating the need for critical assessment of health information disseminated on social media platforms. Although TikTok is a highly engaging platform, it presents considerable misinformation risks for users seeking health information.