Association between gait biomechanical changes after anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction and the development of osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Abstract

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries and reconstruction have been shown to increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee. Several studies have looked at the association between gait biomechanics and early cartilage changes. Given the burden of osteoarthritis, it may be of interest to better understand factors that increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury and/or reconstruction.

Objective: This paper presents the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the existing literature that has investigated the relationship between biomechanical changes in gait after anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction and the early onset of osteoarthritis.

Methods:  An electronic literature search will be conducted using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Studies published in English and French will be included if they evaluate the association between biomechanical changes in gait following anterior cruciate ligament injury and/or reconstruction and the early onset of osteoarthritis, as assessed by biological markers or imaging criteria. Methodological quality will be assessed using the Downs And Black modified checklist. If there is sufficient homogeneity in the outcomes between studies, a meta-analysis will be performed.

Conclusion: This will be the first systematic review to summarise the existing data on the association between biomechanical changes in gait following anterior cruciate ligament injury and/or reconstruction and the early onset of osteoarthritis, as assessed by biological markers or imaging criteria.