Parameters for assessment of talar neck geometry: a protocol for scoping literature review

Background Understanding the three-dimensional anatomy of the talar neck is essential in assessing reduction of talar neck fractures, as well as in planning surgical correction for talar malunions. However, the geometrical parameters that describe this anatomy are sparsely reported in the literature. Objectives This review aims to identify from the existing literature, those geometrical parameters that describe the three-dimensional anatomy of the talar neck. Methods A scoping literature review will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The primary searches will be conducted on the PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases, using a pre-defined search strategy. Any original research study (whether clinical or cadaveric, prospective or retrospective, comparative or noncomparative), looking at the human talus neck geometry or morphology will be included. Studies that do not describe the talar neck geometry, animal studies, review articles, conference abstracts and case reports will be excluded. Geometrical parameters (including techniques to measure these) that describe the three-dimensional anatomy of the talar neck will be identified. Qualitative analysis will be done by means of appropriate tables and diagrams. If feasible, quantitative analysis to determine pooled estimated of geometrical parameters identified in the review will be conducted by a random-effects meta-analysis model. No formal risk-of-bias assessment has been planned, as this is a scoping literature review.