J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2026 Jun 7;80:103519. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2026.103519. eCollection 2026 Sep.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal fractures and often affect young, active individuals. Patients frequently turn to online media for medical guidance, where quality and transparency vary widely.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the transparency, comprehensibility, and educational value of YouTube videos related to scaphoid fractures using established and condition-specific assessment tools.
METHODS: The fifty most-viewed English-language YouTube videos related to scaphoid fractures were analyzed for content source, engagement metrics, and quality using the JAMA benchmark criteria, a 4-point Likert comprehensibility scale, and a Scaphoid Fracture-Specific Score (SFS-SS).
RESULTS: Physicians produced over half of the videos (50%), followed by non-physician health professionals (24%) and trainers/therapists (12%). The median JAMA transparency score was 2, the median comprehensibility score was 2, and the median SFS-SS was 8 out of 16. Physician-created videos had higher JAMA scores (p < 0.001) but lower comprehensibility than non-physician sources (p = 0.016).
CONCLUSION: YouTube videos related to scaphoid fractures demonstrated limited transparency, modest comprehensibility, and incomplete educational coverage. Physician-created videos were common but did not consistently provide more comprehensive patient-oriented information. Improved online educational content may require clearer authorship, evidence citation, and patient-centered communication.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.
PMID:42318170 | PMC:PMC13273714 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcot.2026.103519