Evaluation of online video content related to reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a YouTube-based study

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has evolved continuously over recent years, with expanded indications and better outcomes. YouTube is one of the most popular sources for health-related information available to patients. Evaluating the quality of YouTube videos concerning RSA is important to ensure proper patient education. METHODS: YouTube was queried for the term “reverse shoulder replacement.” The first 50 videos were evaluated using three different scores: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, the global quality score (GQS), and the reverse shoulder arthroplasty-specific score (RSAS). Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the presence of a relationship between video characteristics and quality scores. RESULTS: The average number of views was 64,645.78±264,160.9 per video, and the average number of likes was 414 per video. Mean JAMA, GQS, and RSAS scores were 2.32±0.64, 2.31±0.82, and 5.53±2.43, respectively. Academic centers uploaded the highest number of videos, and surgical techniques/approach videos was the most common video content. Videos with lecture content predicted higher JAMA scores whereas videos uploaded by industry predicted lower RSAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its massive popularity, YouTube videos provide a low quality of information on RSA. Introducing a new editorial review process or developing a new platform for patients’ medical education may be necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.