Hey Google? When Patients Consult Dr Google About Tendinopathy. An Analysis of Search Terms and Questions From 4 English-Speaking Regions Across 6 Tendons

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the most common search terms and questions in Google relating to Achilles, patellar, shoulder, elbow, hamstring, and gluteal tendons across 4 English-speaking regions, and determine the most common landing pages for tendon-based searches. DESIGN: Web-based data appraisal. METHODS: Tendon-related search terms, inputted by users into the Google search engine, were quantified globally, and subgrouped for 4 English-speaking regions – Australia, United States of America, United Kingdom, and Canada. Search questions related to tendons were searched globally. RESULTS: Six tendons were searched 2 416 438 times per month globally. Uptake of consensus recommendations were most consistent for the gluteal tendon, where “tendinopathy” was ranked one of the top 20 keyword search terms globally. Tendinopathy did not feature in any of the top patella, elbow, or hamstring-related searches, and vast differences were noted across English-speaking regions for Achilles and shoulder tendon-related searches. Search questions focused on curative treatment globally. CONCLUSION: Words matter. Uptake of consensus recommended terminology is poor, and practitioners have a role to play in translating consensus recommendations into the public domain. JOSPT Open 2024;2(3):233-239. Epub 20 May 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.1129