Cross-platform social media analysis regarding ACL injury and surgery

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury affects a broad patient population, but there is limited knowledge on how ACL injury is discussed across social media platforms. This study aims to develop an extensive snapshot of the social media milieu for understanding who uses social media platforms, what topics users discuss, and how these platforms vary regarding ACL injury and surgery.Methods: We utilized a qualitative, descriptive design with quantitative statistical analysis including Kruskal-Wallis tests and Fisher's Exact tests with post hoc analyses to examine new posts across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok using ACL-specific search terms from August 2021 to January 2022. Posts were analyzed by authorship, content characterization, and engagement.Results: Across social media sites, 760 posts were examined involving ACL surgery and injury. There was statistically significant difference among the platforms when comparing categories of authorship (P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences where physicians (P<0.001) and patients (P<0.001) posted, with physicians representing 20.6% and 19.5% of posts on Facebook and Twitter, respectively. TikTok displayed the highest patient authorship (83.5%) and greatest content engagement. There were also significant differences among platforms regarding content characterization (P<0.001).Conclusions: This study breaks down a snapshot of social media revolving around ACL injury and surgery demonstrating differences in authorship, content, and engagement of posts across platforms. These findings demonstrate the frequent use of social media by patients to address unmet clinical needs and can help surgeons and patients connect on the same platforms.Level of Evidence: Level IV.