How informative is YouTube for Freiberg disease? A cross-sectional analysis of video quality and content

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the overall educational quality and disease-specific content adequacy of YouTube videos about Freiberg disease. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on December 8, 2025. A search was performed on YouTube using six keywords related to Freiberg disease, sorted by relevance. The first 50 videos for each keyword were screened. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and removing duplicates, 29 unique videos were incorporated into the analysis. The videos were assessed utilizing the DISCERN and JAMA Benchmark criteria, the Global Quality Score (GQS), and the Freiberg Scoring System (FSS) established by the authors. The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed for group comparisons, and the Spearman rho test was used for correlation analyses. Results: The mean total scores for DISCERN and FSS were 36.36±7.98 and 7.05±1.78, respectively. The median JAMA and GQS scores were 2.00 and 3.00, respectively. The presenter’s qualification was significantly associated with total DISCERN, JAMA, GQS, and FSS scores. Videos presented by orthopedic surgeons exhibited the highest median quality scores. Strong positive correlations were found between DISCERN, GQS, and FSS. Video duration was positively associated with some quality scores, but most engagement metrics did not show a significant relationship with quality. Conclusion: YouTube videos about Freiberg disease demonstrate moderate educational quality and moderate adequacy of disease-specific content. While the source of the content appears to influence quality, popularity metrics do not reliably reflect educational value. There is a need for more accurate, comprehensive, and patient-centered video content on Freiberg disease. Level of Evidence: Level IV, cross-sectional observational study.