Objective: To analyse the internet homepages of medical information by popular search engines and its appropriateness as guidance to medical information. Materials and Methods: The search phrase "frozen shoulder" and shoulder pain"were entered into the five most commonly used Korean web search engines. The first 20 links displayed by each engines were evaluated in terms of content, authorship, and secondary commercial gain. An IRS (Informational Rating Score) of 0 to 30 points was assigned to each. The IRS was formulated based on clinical practice guidelines published by the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons). Results: Among theoretical total of 200 internet homepages, our research identified 80 unique internet homepages and the overall mean IRS was 10.6 points. Fifty five percent were authored by physicians and the IRS was 12.9 points. Twenty seven point five percent were authored by oriental medical doctors and the IRS was 7.6 points. Conclusion: We can see that there can be a significant difference in the medical information given by the medical homepages depending on the informants. The physicians and the oriental medical doctors showed clear divergence of views on physical examination and differential diagnosis of "frozen shoulder". It is essential to provide correct and easy-to-understand medical informations for the internet users. (J Korean Assoc Pain Med 2006;5:40-44)

KeywordsInternet, Information, Shoulder pain, Frozen shoulder