Shaoyao Gancao Decoction for limb dysfunction after fractures around the knee: A protocol for systematic review

BACKGROUND: After reduction and fixation of a fracture around the knee (FAK), excessive injury, improper treatment, soft tissue damage, and blood circulation damage often lead to limb dysfunction, which seriously affects limb rehabilitation and the patient’s quality of life. Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) is an important means of treatment; however, it is not widely applied because of the lack of evidence about the effectiveness of oral drugs in the treatment of limb dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SGD on patients with limb dysfunction from the perspectives of pain, limb edema, stiffness, as well as physical dysfunction. METHODS: The Chinese and English databases, the Wanfang database, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, EMBASE, China BioMedical Literature, PubMed, and Web of Science will be searched from inception to September 30, 2021. Both researchers will select the articles, collect the data and evaluate the quality of the methodology independently using the Cochrane bias risk tool. RESULTS: High-quality evidence will be obtained to evaluate the beneficial and detrimental effects of SGD on limb dysfunction after FAK, including knee pain, limb edema, stiffness, and physical dysfunction, as well as adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study will provide evidence regarding whether SGD is beneficial for treating limb dysfunction after FAK in humans. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202210028.