Our Summary

This research paper studies the quality and readability of information about a specific foot surgery (first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion) found online. The researchers used different measures to assess the information, including readability scores, a health website certification (HON code), a quality assessment tool (DISCERN), a set of quality criteria from the Journal of American Medical Association, and a score they created for this specific surgery (MTP fusion index).

They found that the average readability of these websites was higher than the recommended level for health information, which means it may be difficult for some people to understand. Almost half of the websites provided poor quality information. The type of keywords used in the search didn’t significantly affect the quality or readability of the information found.

Websites from academic or government sources provided the highest quality information, but were also more difficult to read. Most of the websites were commercial and had the easiest-to-read information, but this information was of lower quality.

The researchers conclude that there’s a lot of misleading information about this foot surgery on the internet. They suggest that doctors provide their patients with a list of websites that have accurate and easy-to-understand information to help them avoid misinformation.

FAQs

  1. What methods did the researchers use to assess the quality and readability of online information about first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion?
  2. What were the findings of the study in terms of the quality and readability of online information about this foot surgery?
  3. What are the researchers’ suggestions to avoid misinformation about first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion found on the internet?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about joint fusion is to only rely on reputable and trustworthy sources for information. This can help ensure that the patient receives accurate and reliable information about the surgery and its potential outcomes. It is important to consult with healthcare professionals and reputable medical websites to gather information about joint fusion.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended joint fusion include those with severe arthritis, joint deformities, chronic pain and instability in the affected joint, and those who have not had success with conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and injections. Joint fusion may also be recommended for patients who are not good candidates for joint replacement surgery.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of what a patient experiences before and after joint fusion surgery can vary, but a general outline may include:

Before surgery:

  1. Consultation with a doctor to discuss symptoms, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits of joint fusion surgery.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Preparing for surgery by following any pre-operative instructions provided by the doctor, such as fasting or stopping certain medications.
  4. Signing consent forms and discussing anesthesia options with the anesthesia team.

During surgery:

  1. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
  2. The surgeon performs the joint fusion surgery, which involves removing damaged cartilage and fusing the bones together using screws or plates.
  3. The surgery typically takes a few hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

After surgery:

  1. Recovery in the hospital or surgical center, where the patient will be monitored for any complications or side effects of anesthesia.
  2. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to help regain strength and mobility in the affected joint.
  3. Pain management and monitoring for signs of infection or other complications.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Gradual return to normal activities and daily life, with a focus on maintaining joint health and preventing future injuries.

Overall, joint fusion surgery is a major procedure that requires careful pre-operative planning, skilled surgical technique, and dedicated post-operative care to ensure optimal outcomes for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about joint fusion may include:

  1. What is the purpose of the joint fusion surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with joint fusion?
  3. What is the success rate of joint fusion surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like after joint fusion surgery?
  5. Will I need any physical therapy after the surgery?
  6. What are the alternatives to joint fusion surgery?
  7. How long will the results of joint fusion surgery last?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  9. How experienced are you in performing joint fusion surgeries?
  10. Can you recommend any reputable sources for more information about joint fusion surgery?

Reference

Authors: Raja HM, DeShazo SJ, Bowcutt JT, Chen J. Journal: J Foot Ankle Surg. 2024 Mar-Apr;63(2):256-261. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2023.11.013. Epub 2023 Dec 2. PMID: 38043600