Fear of Re-Injury, Psychological Factors, and Sport Played Have Negative Impact on Return to Sport Following Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Patellar Instability.

PURPOSE: To analyze factors that affect return to sport after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR), such as psychological factors, sport played, and a positive apprehension test following surgery, and to determine the average return to sport rates and time to return to sport. METHODS: A literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Included studies met the following criteria: patients underwent MPFLR for patellar instability, return to sport was recorded, and a factor that affected return to sport was mentioned. Search terms included medial patellofemoral ligament, tibial tubercle osteotomy, tibial tubercle transfer, return to play, and return to sport. RESULTS: 18 of 632 identified studies met inclusion criteria. 1,072 patients that underwent MFPLR were recorded. Return to sport rates and mean/median time ranged from 60.0-100% and 3-10.4 months, respectively. 55.6-84.0% of patients returned to sport without decreasing level of competition. Six of 12 studies (50.0%) reported fear of re-injury as the top reason for patients not returning or returning at a lower level of sport. Volleyball/handball had the lowest return to the same level following surgery (18.2-50.0%). CONCLUSION: Athletes that underwent MPFLR following recurrent patellar instability returned to sport at a range of 60.0-100%. Return to sport at the same level or higher was found to have a lower maximum rate at 55.6-84.0%. Fear of re-injury and sport played were found to have a substantial impact on ability to return to sport. Surgeons can use this information to advise patients on expectations following surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, systematic review of level III and IV studies.

Risk Factors for Shoulder Injuries in Female Athletes Playing Overhead Sports: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Sports involving overhead motions put substantial biomechanical demands on the shoulder and may result in injuries. OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors (RFs) for shoulder injuries in female athletes who play overhead sports and evaluate strategies to reduce shoulder injuries in these athletes. DATA SOURCES: A systematic electronic search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases included were PubMed, Tulane Matas Library Search Engine, and Google Scholar, with search terms: "Overhead injuries/Shoulder AND female athletes AND Risk Factors." STUDY SELECTION: Of the initial 1574 studies identified, 314 were evaluated for eligibility by full-text review and 291 studies were excluded. Overall, 23 studies were included in this study. Studies were published from 2000 to 2021, subject age range was 15 to 35 years, with documented prevalence of shoulder injuries in female athletes playing overhead sports. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent researchers completed abstract and full-text review. Data extraction used the Covidence and Cochrane Consumer guide template. RESULTS: Volleyball was the most common sport with shoulder injuries (6/23; 26%) followed by softball 5/23 (22%), swimming 5/23 (22%), gymnastics 4/23 (17%), tennis 3/23 (13%), water polo 2/23 (8%), and basketball 1/23 (4%). Six RFs (dominant shoulder, volume/overuse, time in sport, older age at time of injury, past injury, and multidirectional instability) were described. Of the 23 studies, 9 (39%) identified the dominant shoulder as a RF for sustaining injury (mean risk ratio [RR], 2.04), while 6 (26%) cited volume of repetition and overuse as a prominent RF (RR, 1.45). CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrates important RFs for shoulder injuries in female athletes associated with playing overhead sports. Multiple prevention strategies are described. Prevention programs are helpful in reducing the risk of reinjury.

Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Autograft Versus Allograft: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction (MCLR) is performed after failed nonoperative treatment or high-grade MCL injury with associated valgus instability. PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes after MCLR with autograft versus allograft. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review, Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The authors conducted a search of the PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to identify studies comparing outcomes of MCLR with autograft versus allograft. Studies were included if they evaluated clinical outcomes after MCLR using autograft and/or allograft. Any study that included concomitant knee ligament injury other than the anterior cruciate ligament injury was excluded. A quality assessment was performed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score. RESULTS: The initial search identified 746 studies, 17 of which met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The studies included 307 patients: 151 (49.2%) patients received autografts, and 156 (50.8%) received allografts. The most used autograft was the semitendinosus tendon (136 grafts; 90.1% of specified allografts), and the only allograft used was the Achilles tendon (110 grafts; 100% of specified autografts). The mean follow-up of the studies was 25.6 months. Postoperative pain (Lysholm scores) ranged from 82.9 to 94.8 in patients receiving autografts and 87.5 to 93 in patients receiving allografts. Postoperative range of motion was full in 8 of 15 (53.3%) patients receiving autografts compared with 82 of 93 (88.2%) patients receiving allografts. Five of the 151 (3.3%) patients who had MCLR with autografts had complications such as infection, instability, and prominent screws. Two of the 156 (1.3%) MCLRs with allografts developed complications of prominent screws and nonhealing incisions. CONCLUSION: MCLR with either autografts or allografts leads to improved patient-reported, radiographic, and clinical outcomes. Patient-reported postoperative pain was similar in patients receiving either graft type. Other outcomes were difficult to compare between graft types because of nonstandardized reporting and a lack of pre- and postoperative measurements. Therefore, there is no evidence of significantly improved outcomes in the use of either autograft or allograft with MCLR.

Both Quadriceps and Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autografts Improve Postoperative Stability and Functional Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To compare postoperative knee stability, functional outcomes, and complications after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) versus quadriceps tendon autograft. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published in 2002 or later. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: randomized controlled trials that included patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with BPTB or quadriceps tendon autograft including all soft tissue and bone-quadriceps tendon and in which measures of postoperative stability and functional outcomes were reported. Studies that were not written in English and those that analyzed animals or cadavers, were not randomized controlled trials, or used other grafts (e.g., hamstring) were excluded. Results: The initial search identified 348 studies, 6 of which were included in this systematic review. Two of the six studies found no significant difference in performance outcomes or complications between quadriceps and BPTB autografts. One study found that patients receiving quadriceps autograft self-reported improved knee functional status compared with those receiving BPTB autograft. Another study found that quadriceps autograft resulted in a significantly reduced Quadriceps Index postoperatively compared with BPTB autograft (69.5 vs 82.8, P = .01) but found no difference in postoperative quadriceps strength. An additional study found that the outcomes of quadriceps tendon and BPTB autografts were equivalent per the International Knee Documentation Committee scale, but anterior knee pain was less severe in patients with quadriceps tendon autograft. Furthermore, one study revealed the overall International Knee Documentation Committee score was reported as normal significantly more often in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with BPTB autograft (85% vs 50%, P < .001) and that donor-site morbidity was greater in patients with quadriceps autograft. No significant difference was found in complications requiring reoperation across studies. Conclusions: Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with either BPTB or quadriceps tendon autograft reported improved postoperative knee stability and functional outcomes. There is no significant difference in complications between quadriceps autograft use and BPTB autograft use. Level of Evidence: Level III, systematic review of Level III retrospective studies.

Women in leadership in orthopaedic sports medicine societies throughout the world.

OBJECTIVES: The proportion of women in orthopaedic surgery is low compared to other specialties, despite equal numbers of male and female students entering the medical profession. This gender disparity persists across various aspects of orthopaedic sports medicine, such as academic leadership, medical education, and on the sidelines. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive and updated global analysis of female representation in leadership positions within orthopaedic sports medicine and arthroscopy societies throughout the world. METHODS: Publicly available websites for orthopaedic sports medicine societies throughout the world were evaluated. For societies that met inclusion criteria, the following data were collected: types of leadership positions available and breakdown of male and female orthopaedic surgeons in those positions. RESULTS: There were a total of 55 societies analyzed from North America (5, 9.1%), South America (8, 14.5%), Europe (18, 32.7%), Asia (13, 23.6%), Africa (2, 3.6%), the Middle East (3, 5.5%) and Australia (3, 5.5%), as well as 3 international societies (5.5%). North America had the highest percentage of women in leadership positions with 19 of 97 positions (19.6%), followed by international societies with 11 of 92 (12.0%) positions filled by women. The Middle East and Australia had the fewest number of women, with all-male leadership. Globally, female orthopaedic surgeons served in 11 of 181 (6.1%) board of directors positions, 16 of 192 (8.3%) executive committees positions, 17 of 143 (11.9%) committee chair positions, 2 of 18 (11.1%) officer positions, 1 of 12 (8.3%) council positions, and 2 of 7 (28.6%) spokesperson positions. CONCLUSION: While some countries have higher representation than others, the number of women in leadership positions in orthopaedic sports medicine societies throughout the world is significantly less than their male counterparts. While this is a preliminary analysis, future studies should aim to evaluate these trends over time. Providing equitable opportunities for women to rise into high-ranking positions in orthopaedic sports medicine may contribute to the interest of women and other minorities in the field of sports medicine and help improve diversity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Augmentation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Most Commonly Indicated for Pivot Shift of Grade 2 or Greater and for Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine the most common indications for lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) augmentation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 2000 to the present (June 2022). Studies that met the following criteria were included: patients of any age who underwent LET in addition to ACLR, studies reporting at least 1 indication for LET, and observational/randomized controlled trial study designs including prevalence of indications. Publications had to be reported in English and peer reviewed and to have originated in the United States or countries offering identical protocols and procedures. RESULTS: A total of 463 studies were identified from the initial search, 23 of which met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Eight of the 23 studies (34.8%) used a modified Lemaire technique, seven (30.4%) used a MacIntosh modified by Arnold-Coker, and eight (34.8%) used other techniques to perform LET. A total of 2,125 patients (53% female, 47% male [3 studies did not report sex]) underwent ACLR augmented with LET. The indications along with prevalence were as follows: positive pivot shift test (grade ≥2) (19 of 23, 82.6%), revision ACLR (12 of 23, 52.2%), ligamentous laxity (11 of 23, 47.8%), general sports participation (11 of 23, 47.8%), age less than 25 years (8 of 23, 34.8%), high risk of graft failure (5 of 23, 21.7%), and positive Lachman test (4 of 23, 17.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Pivot shift grade ≥2 was the most common reason orthopaedic surgeons chose to add LET to ACLR, with revision ACLR, patient age <25, and general sports participation following closely behind. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I to IV, systematic review of studies.

Instagram Outperforms Twitter in Driving Social Media Engagement Among Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Purpose: To determine the content posted by sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons on Instagram and Twitter and to evaluate the associated engagement. Methods: Data were collected from sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons' Instagram profiles and Twitter profiles between December 2020 and June 2022. The median number of total number of likes, comments, and retweets was calculated. The content of posts from both platforms was divided into the following categories: personal life, research, patient testimony, day in the life, pathway to becoming a physician, clinical cases, medical facts, and team coverage. Results: Data from 71 Instagram profiles and 39 Twitter profiles were used in this study. A total of 1,193 posts were identified on Instagram and 1,284 posts were identified on Twitter. The personal life category had the greatest number of posts on Instagram (303, 25.4%), whereas the medical facts category had the greatest number of posts on Twitter (251, 19.5%). Pathway to becoming a physician had the greatest median number of likes on both Instagram (97.5, range 48-2,467) and Twitter (19, range 0-50) and the greatest median number of comments on Instagram at 16 (range 1-203). The team coverage category on Instagram had the greatest percentage of likes per follower at 9.9%. A significantly greater percentage of orthopaedic surgeons posted about day in the life content, medical facts, and research on Twitter in comparison with Instagram. Instagram resulted in significantly more social media engagement than Twitter in all 8 categories (P < .05). Conclusions: Instagram resulted in significantly more social media engagement across all categories in comparison with Twitter with team coverage, personal life, and pathway to becoming a physician being the most popular categories. Clinical Relevance: The information learned in this study may help sports surgeons understand how they may best utilize social media to engage with others and enhance their clinical practice.

Analysis of Graft Types Augmented With an Internal Brace for ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: New techniques are being developed to decrease the failure rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts and prevent revision surgery. One such technique involves high-strength suture tape (ST), also referred to as internal bracing. Recent literature has highlighted the use of ST for ACL reconstruction, but no study has compared ST augmentation between graft types. PURPOSE: To compare the use of ST augmentation for ACL reconstruction based on the type of graft used (ie, bone-patellar tendon-bone [BPTB], quadriceps, hamstring). STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 5. METHODS: An online search of multiple databases was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was completed April 2022 to identify studies related to ST augmentation of ACL grafts. RESULTS: Of 926 studies identified, 10 met inclusion criteria. Five studies (50%) used hamstring tendon (HT), 3 (30%) used quadriceps tendon (QT), 1 (10%) used BPTB, and 1 (10%) used both HT and QT grafts. HT autografts augmented with ST had decreased dynamic and peak elongation (15%-56%), increased load to failure, and increased initial and final dynamic stiffness compared with controls. There was no significant difference in postoperative physical examination findings (range of motion, Lachman, pivot shift), except that ST-augmented grafts had significantly less laxity after surgery compared with HT alone (0.8 vs 1.9 mm; P < .05). QT allografts with ST augmentation showed increased graft strength. Human QT autograft studies showed higher Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scores compared with controls. BPTB allografts with ST augmentation had decreased cyclic displacement by 31% (P = .015) and increased load (758 ± 128 N; P < .001) and stiffness (156 ± 23 N/mm; P = .003) compared with nonaugmented groups. The complication rate was low or showed no increase in the ST augmentation groups compared with control groups. CONCLUSION: HT, QT, and BPTB grafts augmented with ST demonstrate an effective method for ACL reconstruction. All graft types with ST augmentation showed no evidence of clinical disadvantage, with some studies indicating significant biomechanical or clinical advantages compared with conventional ACL reconstruction.

Review of Intra-Articular Use of Antibiotics and Antiseptic Irrigation and Their Systematic Association with Chondrolysis.

Introduction: Intra-articular antibiotics have been proposed as a treatment for septic arthritis to allow for high local concentrations without subjecting a patient to the toxicity/side effects of systemic therapy. However, there is concern for chondrotoxicity with intra-articular use of these solutions in high concentrations. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the intra-articular use of antibiotics and antiseptic solutions, and to determine their association with chondrolysis following in vitro or in vivo administration. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines through PubMed, Clinical Key, OVID, and Google Scholar. Studies in English were included if they evaluated for chondrotoxicity following antibiotic exposure. Results: The initial search resulted in 228 studies, with 36 studies meeting criteria. These 36 studies included manuscripts that studied 24 different agents. Overall, 7 of the 24 (29%) agents were non-chondrotoxic: minocycline, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, teicoplanin, pefloxacin, linezolid, polymyxin-bacitracin. Eight (33%) agents had inconsistent results: doxycycline, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, chlorhexidine, and povidone iodine. Chondrotoxicity was evident with 9 (38%) agents, all of which were also dose-dependent chondrotoxic based on reported estimated half maximal inhibitory concentrations (est. IC50): amikacin (est. IC50 = 0.31-2.74 mg/mL), neomycin (0.82), cefazolin (1.67-3.95), ceftazidime (3.16-3.59), ampicillin-sulbactam (8.64 - >25), penicillin (11.61), amoxicillin (14.01), imipenem (>25), and tobramycin (>25). Additionally, chondroprotective effects of doxycycline and minocycline were reported. Conclusions: This systematic review identified agents that may be used in the treatment of septic arthritis. Nine agents should be avoided due to their dose-dependent chondrotoxic effects. Further studies are needed to clarify the safety of these medications for human intra-articular use.

Perception and Usage of Social Media Among Women in Orthopaedics.

INTRODUCTION: The use of social media for marketing, education, and networking has increased among orthopaedic surgeons. Social media has played an important role in supporting women physicians and trainees, by allowing connections to be made across stages of training and geographic borders. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of female orthopaedic surgeons, fellows, residents, and medical students regarding their usage of social media. METHODS: A 22-question anonymous survey regarding the perceptions of social media usage was distributed to 1,189 female members of Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society via e-mail in July 2022. Data collection lasted a total of 4 weeks, from July to August 2022. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 207 responses were received (17% response rate). The respondents comprised 90 orthopaedic surgeons (43%), 60 medical students (29%), 49 residents (24%), and eight fellows (4%). Ninety one percent of participants (189 of 207) reported having a social media account, with 23% (43 of 189) having separate 'personal' and 'professional' accounts. Less than half of all participants reported altering (51 of 189; 27%) or deleting (20 of 189; 11%) profiles for interviews. Fifty three percent of participants (109 of 207) 'agreed' that social media is a good way to network. Twenty eight percent of participants (58 of 207) feared gaining attention to their profile when engaging with professional accounts. Forty percent of participants (62 of 207) agreed that personal life events on social media can be considered unprofessional and should be kept on a private profile. CONCLUSION: Social media can be used to network professionally within orthopaedic surgery, connecting women at different levels of training. Although concerns about professionalism of social media accounts exist, this may be mitigated by maintaining a separate private account from a public, professional profile. Future guidelines regarding social media usage and how to maintain professionalism while being active on social media may be beneficial.

Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport After Shoulder Instability.

¼ The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body, representing 50% of all major joint dislocations. This injury occurs most commonly in contact sports and may be treated either nonoperatively (rest, immobilization, and physical therapy) or surgically.¼ Several factors contribute to an athlete's recovery after shoulder injury, including psychological readiness that has been identified as having a significant impact on athlete's rate of return to sport. The psychological readiness of athletes can be quantified using patient-reported outcome measures and psychological assessment tools.¼ Managing priorities and expectations, mood, social support, and confidence have all been identified as factors that affect readiness to return to play. Kinesiophobia was the most common factor reported in patients interviewed after arthroscopic Bankart repair.¼ Psychological interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness are aimed at reducing the effects of psychological factors and mood states by decreasing stress, anxiety, and kinesiophobia. These interventions may also increase the rates of return to sport after shoulder instability.

Diversity-Related Positions in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs.

Background: The Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons have incorporated diversity and inclusion as one of their primary goals. Orthopaedic surgery remains the least diverse medical specialty when measured for practicing physicians and trainees. The purpose of this study was to determine the number and distinct types of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions within orthopaedic surgery residency programs in the United States. Methods: The Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database was used to obtain a list of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited orthopaedic surgery residency programs. The following was collected from 193 residency program websites between June 6, 2022, and June 26, 2022: program location, university or community based, allopathic or osteopathic recognition, number of faculty in the orthopaedic department, number of residents per year, diversity-related statements, and diversity-focused faculty positions. Results: Of the 193 programs evaluated, 74 (38.9%) included DEI statements on their website while only 42 (21.8%) had at least one DEI-specific faculty role (e.g., diversity committee, diversity liaison, vice chair for DEI). For 16 (8.3%) programs, the faculty role was nonspecific to the orthopaedic residency program. Nonspecific roles were primarily created by the affiliated school of medicine, but in 4 (2.1%) outlier cases, faculty members assumed DEI roles through a medical center, a graduate medical education program, or a department of surgery. Conclusions: Less than half of orthopaedic surgery residency programs currently advocate for DEI on their associated websites while fewer than 25% have a DEI faculty position. Previous studies have called for a greater number of DEI positions and committees among orthopaedic residencies because of the lower admittance rate of qualified Under Represented in Medicine (URiM) applicants. A role dedicated to DEI may increase the number of women and URiM applicants pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery.

Patients Prefer Medical Facts and Educational Videos From Sports Medicine Surgeons on Social Media.

Purpose: To provide updated information on which sports medicine patients are most influenced by provider presence on social media, as well as their preferences in social media platforms and content. Methods: Between November 2021 and January 2022, an anonymous online, voluntary, self-administered questionnaire containing 13 questions was distributed to patients who had a clinic visit with 1 of 2 orthopaedic sports medicine surgeons at the same institution. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 159 responses were received for a response rate of 29.5%. The most common platforms used by patients were Facebook (110; 84%), YouTube (69; 53%), and Instagram (61; 47%). Most participants indicated that it did not make a difference if their sports medicine surgeon was on social media (N = 99, 62%), and they indicated they would not travel further to see a physician who was active on social media (N = 85, 54%). Compared with other age groups, significantly more respondents over the age of 50 years used Facebook to follow their physicians (47 of 60, 78%, P = .012). Seventy-eight (50%) patients noted that they were interested in seeing medical facts, whereas 72 (46%) were interested in seeing educational videos on their physician's social media page. Conclusions: In this study, we found that sports medicine patients prefer to see educational videos and medical facts from their surgeons on social media, most predominantly on Facebook. Clinical Relevance: Social media is a popular way to connect in our modern world. As the influence of sports medicine surgeons on social media grows, it is important to understand how this is perceived by patients.

Concussion Education for Athletes: Symptom Reporting and Safe Return to Sport.

¼ Educational programs on concussion have been demonstrated to improve knowledge for athletes, families, athletic trainers, and coaches about concussion, with the goal of reducing concussion incidence, duration, severity, and complications.¼ Despite the widespread availability and often mandatory concussion education provided to high school and collegiate athletes, there has not been an adequate change in knowledge, attitudes, and self-reporting behavior in this population.¼ Recently published studies suggest improving concussion education by emphasizing athletes' symptom reporting behavior, to contrast with current emphasis on knowledge-based outcomes.¼ Future educational programs about concussions for athletes, families, athletic trainers, and coaches should aim to emphasize cultural and behavioral changes that demonstrate outcome changes rather than solely evaluating knowledge improvements to determine effective programming.

Analysis of Social Media Posts That Promote Women Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the content, interaction, and use of posts related to women surgeons on Instagram and Twitter, with specific analysis of female orthopedic surgeon related content. DESIGN: A retrospective search of Instagram and Twitter from March 14, 2022, to June 16, 2022 was conducted using the hashtags, #womeninortho, #womeninorthopedics, #ilooklikeasurgeon, #womensurgeons, and #womeninsurgery. Additional searches were performed on Twitter that consisted of #orthotwitter in combination with #ilooklikeasurgeon, #womensurgeons, and #womeninsurgery. Once identified, posts were analyzed for the hashtag used, number of likes, number of comments, number of retweets (Twitter only), source type, type of post, and medical specialty. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Over the 3-month period, a total of 3248 posts were identified that included 1669 Instagram (50.5%) and 1639 Twitter (49.6%) posts. The majority of overall posts and Instagram posts were made by general (32.3%, 28.9%), plastic (12.7%, 22.1%), and orthopedic surgeons (8.3%, 7.8%). On Twitter, general surgeons tweeted the most (35.6%), followed by orthopaedic surgeons (8.8%). Instagram had a greater mean number of and comments per post than Twitter. For orthopedic hashtags, #womeninortho was used more than #womeninorthopedics (78.0% vs. 22.0%, p < 0.001). On #orthotwitter, #ilooklikeasurgeon was used more than #womeninsurgery and #womensurgeons (75.0% vs. 23.6% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that both Instagram and Twitter are regularly used to promote women surgeons. Instagram is the preferred platform of physicians for promoting women surgeons via personal and outcome-based content, while Twitter is used more by students and primarily includes outcome-based posts. Female orthopedic surgeons should continue to use the preferred hashtag, #womeninortho, to maximize the reach of this content. By promoting women surgeons on social media, practicing surgeons can converse, collaborate, and provide mentorship to the next generation of surgeons.