There has been increasing use of social media in recent years by hospitals and health-care providers. Social media can provide an extension of the physician to an online presence and have potential practice-building implications.

Online social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat are widely used and provide convenient opportunities for marketing, patient education, generation of referrals, professional development, and other career opportunities. Also, professional networks provide physicians with opportunities for collaboration, potentially improving care.

The benefits of social media use must be weighed against the potential risks, including potential liability, confidentiality breach, and risk to reputation.

This article reviews the current state of social media use for the orthopaedic surgeon, with focus on utilization of an online surgeon patient relationship, compliance with ethical obligations, professionalism, and reputation.