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

Fractures over venous sinuses (FOVSs) are associated with difficulties in diagnosis and treatment resulting in a high level of morbidity and mortality. Despite its importance, there are limited aggregate data to guide the management of these fractures ultimately inflicting a major callenge to neurosurgeons. This protocol describes the methodology of a scoping review that aims to synthesise contemporary evidence on the management and outcomes of FOVSs.

The proposed study will be conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews. The research question, eligibility criteria and search strategy were developed based on the population, intervention, comparator and 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, Cochrane and ProQuest Central. All peer-reviewed studies of primary data reporting on the management and outcomes of FOVSs will be included. The data extracted from included articles will be presented through descriptive statistics, pooled statistics and a narrative description.

Because 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.