ARE POSTS ABOUT TRIGGER FINGER ON THE SOCIAL NETWORK INSTAGRAM OF ADEQUATE QUALITY AND RELIABILITY?

INTRODUCTION

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexors) is a common hand condition, causing pain and functional limitation. With the increasing use of social media as a source of information, especially Instagram, it becomes necessary to evaluate the quality and reliability of content related to the topic made available to the public.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality and reliability of information about trigger finger published on Instagram, using the validated instruments modified DISCERN and Global Quality Score (GQS).

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional study based on the analysis of the hashtags #triggerfinger and #stenosingtenosynovitis. 118 eligible posts were analyzed. Two independent evaluators (orthopedic residents in hand surgery) classified the content.

RESULTS

There was excellent inter-rater agreement, and a positive correlation was observed between longer content duration and better quality. There was a significant difference between professionals: hand surgeons presented higher quality scores.

CONCLUSION

The quality of the information is very low to moderate. Content produced by hand surgeons presents greater technical rigor, and the Reels format offers better informational quality. Level of evidence V; Descriptive observational study.