Accuracy of internet images of glenoid labral injuries

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe internet is a convenient source of health information used widely by patients and doctors. Previous studies have found that the written information provided was often inaccurate. There is no literature regarding the accuracy of medical images on the internet. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of internet images of injuries to the glenoid labrum following shoulder dislocation. METHODS The Google and Bing search engines were used to find images of Bankart, Perthes and anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) lesions. Three independent reviewers assessed the accuracy of image labelling. RESULTS Of images labelled 'Bankart lesion', 30% (9/30) were incorrect while 'Perthes lesion' images were incorrect in 15% of cases (9/60) and 4% of 'ALPSA lesion' images were incorrect (2/46). There was good interobserver reliability (kappa = 0.81). Labelling accuracy was better on educational sites than on commercial sites (6% vs 25% inaccurate, p=0.0013). CONCLUSIONS Caution is recommended when interpreting non-peer reviewed images on the internet.

The Empirical Foundations of Teleradiology and Related Applications: A Review of the Evidence

“…A UK observational study (n = 253) investigated the accuracy of Internet images of injuries to the glenoid labrum (fibrocartilaginous rim around the margin of the shoulder socket) following shoulder separation from accident or injury. 135 Google and Bing search engines were used to find relevant images. Three reviewers were asked to assess the accuracy of image labeling.…”

Accuracy and Utility of Internet Image Search as a Learning Tool for Retinal Pathology

“…Freeman et al reported image search accuracy of orthopedic surgery in shoulder injuries, finding a 4 to 30% image inaccuracy, which was substantially lower accuracy than our results. 14 These and other medical specialties share image- and pattern-based recognition as a core component of medical competency. Image accuracy in educational materials is essential.…”

“…Web sites may provide incorrect or incomplete information for medical professionals and patients. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 GIS uses the proprietary PageRank algorithm to sort images into the order in which they appear on the results page. This sorting is not based on accuracy to the search terms but is rather algorithmically generated according to proprietary rulesets that prioritize images from Web sites that are linked by other prominent Web sites.…”