Traumatic knee injury healthcare pathways and outcomes: the Australian Knee Injury Inception Cohort Study (KIICS) protocol

Abstract

Decision-making for the optimal management of traumatic knee injuries can be challenging. Clinical trials reveal only small differences between surgical and non-surgical approaches, while patient and clinician biases, as well as healthcare access issues, may also influence management. Little is known about the real-world healthcare pathways for patients with a knee injury, as well as the person- and/or healthcare-related factors that influence management strategies and outcomes. The Australian Knee Injury Inception Cohort Study (KIICS) aims to: (1) describe healthcare pathways following acute knee injury (including the timing and type of healthcare consultations); (2) identify patient- and/o..