Is ChatGPT a more academic source than google searches for patient questions about hip arthroscopy? An analysis of the most frequently asked questions

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability and accuracy of responses provided to patients about hip arthroscopy (HA) by Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), an artificial intelligence (AI) and large language model (LLM) online program, with those obtained through a contemporary Google Search for frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding HA. Methods: "HA" was entered into Google Search and ChatGPT, and the 15 most common FAQs and the answers were determined. In Google Search, the FAQs were obtained from the "People also ask" section. ChatGPT was queried to provide the 15 most common FAQs and subsequent answers. The Rothwell system groups the questions under 10 subheadings. Responses of ChatGPT and Google Search engines were compared. Results: Timeline of recovery (23.3%) and technical details (20%) were the most common categories of questions. ChatGPT produced significantly more data in the technical details category (33.3% vs. 6.6%; p-value = 0.0455) than in the other categories. The most FAQs were academic in nature for both Google web search (46.6%) and ChatGPT (93.3%). ChatGPT provided significantly more academic references than Google web searches (93.3% vs. 46.6%). Conversely, Google web search cited more medical practice references (20% vs. 0%), single surgeon websites (26% vs. 0%), and government websites (6% vs. 0%) more frequently than ChatGPT. Conclusion: ChatGPT performed similarly to Google searches for information about HA. Compared to Google, ChatGPT provided significantly more academic sources for its answers to patient questions. Level of evidence: Level IV.