Management and outcomes of fractures over cranial venous sinuses: A scoping review protocol

IntroductionFractures over venous sinuses (FOVS) are associated with difficulties in diagnosis, and treatment resulting in a high level of morbidity, and mortality. Despite its importance, there is limited aggregate data to guide the management of these fractures ultimately inflicting a major challenge to neurosurgeons. This protocol describes the methodology of a scoping review that aims to synthesise contemporary evidence on the management and outcomes of FOVS. Methods and analysisThe proposed study will be conducted in accordance with the Arksey and OMalleys framework for scoping reviews. The research question, eligibility criteria and search strategy were developed based on the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome strategy. The following electronic bibliographic databases will be searched without restrictions on language, and date of publication: PubMed, WHO Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online, SCOPUS, Embase. All peer-reviewed studies of primary data reporting on the management and outcomes of FOVS will be included. The data extracted from included articles will be presented through descriptive statistics, pooled statistics, and a narrative description. Ethics and disseminationBecause this study did not directly involve human individuals, ethical approval was not necessary. Dissemination strategies will include publication in a peer-reviewed journal, oral and poster presentations at local, regional, national and international conferences and promotion over social media. ARTICLE SUMMARYO_ST_ABSStrengths and limitations of this studyC_ST_ABSO_LITo our knowledge this is the first scoping review focusing on the management and outcomes of fractures over the venous sinuses C_LIO_LIThis protocol will ensure transparency in the methodology of the proposed review, thus will reduce the likelihood of reviewing bias. C_LIO_LIThe search strategy will be conducted in five electronic databases commonly used across both high- and low-income countries. C_LIO_LIThere will be no restrictions on language, location, or publication date during the screening process. C_LIO_LIUnpublished studies will not be sought. C_LIO_LIThere will be no formal assessment on the quality of the included studies. C_LI