Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the validity and informational value of TikTok content related to the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. METHODS: The terms "anterolateral ligament of the knee," "ALL reconstruction," "LET," "lateral extra-articular tenodesis," "Lemaire," and "Segond fracture" were used as keywords for an extensive search of video content on the TikTok video platform in August 2024. The video duration and the numbers of likes, shares, saves, and views were recorded for each video. The quality and reliability assessments of the video content were conducted via the DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Score. RESULTS: A total of 55 videos were included in the analysis, of which 4 (7.3%) were posted by physiotherapists; 7 (12.7%), doctors of osteopathic medicine; 38 (69.1%), patients; and 6 (10.9%), medical doctors. Most of the information concerned patient experience (36%-65.5%). The mean length of the videos was 39.56 ± 49.31 seconds. The mean number of views was 16,444.44 ± 49,509.91, whereas the mean number of likes was 739.05 ± 2,558.24; comments, 9.40 ± 20.06; shares, 10.47 ± 33.59; and saves, 44.02 ± 113.35. The mean DISCERN score, Journal of the American Medical Association score, and Global Quality Score were 15.45 ± 1.56, 0.04 ± 0.19, and 1.07 ± 0.26, respectively, indicating the poorest quality for all 3 indices. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the videos on TikTok about the ALL of the knee are posted by patients. Videos created by health professionals are significantly more valid and reliable than those created by patients, but all the videos have low educational value. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In light of the increasing number of patients who use social media for medical information, it is imperative for orthopaedic health care professionals to acknowledge the limitations of TikTok videos concerning the ALL as potential informational resources for their patients.