#Scoliosis: an analysis of patient perception of scoliosis on TikTok

BACKGROUND: Social media presents an opportunity to analyze popular opinion about patient experiences. Idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal pathology commonly identified in younger patients who are the largest users of social media.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze posts on the social media platform, TikTok, to better understand the scoliotic patient condition.

METHODS: TikTok posts were searched manually by screening for "#Scoliosis." Variables assessed included number of likes, conveyed tone, gender, activities of daily living, incisional scar, imaging, involved spine level, spinal curvature, pain, formal physical therapy, multiple operations/reoperation, brace use, self-image, mobility, and educational/awareness posts. Number of responses per category were evaluated for the total they represented and the percentage of available posts containing those elements. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each collected variable.

RESULTS: More posts were positive than negative ( P  < 0.001) and from female users than male users ( P  < 0.001). Self-image was the most prevalent subject, with many posts not mentioning activities of daily living, incisional scars, imaging, pain, physical therapy, timing, awareness/education, or involved spine levels.

CONCLUSIONS: More females post about scoliosis than males, with most posts containing positive self-image-related themes. This may represent a positive public attitude about scoliosis; however, further research is needed.