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.