[Objective] Tetrahedral permeable frames exhibit prominent advantages in flow dissipation, velocity reduction, sediment promotion and ecological conservation. Existing research concerning its hydraulic characteristics remain scattered, lacking systematic collation of action mechanisms, quantitative parametric laws and practical engineering references. This study aims to sort out research advances on tetrahedral permeable frames in China and abroad, reveal its flow-decelerating and sediment-promoting mechanisms, summarize the quantitative influence of key structural and layout parameters on local hydrodynamic behaviours, identify existing research gaps, and propose prospective research directions. It intends to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the optimisation design and popularisation application of tetrahedral permeable frames in riverbank-protection regulation. [Methods] This paper adopts a literature-review approach. By examining the structural features and integrating experimental and observational data, the mechanisms behind flow reduction and sediment promotion are reviewed. The influence of parameters such as void ratio and the length-to-width ratio of frame members on flow velocity, turbulence intensity, and Reynolds stress is systematically summarized. [Results and Conclusion] (1) Mechanism: tetrahedral permeable frames realise flow deceleration and sediment promotion through micro-scale vortex disturbance of frame members and macro-scale flow-field reconstruction, which serves as an eco-friendly alternative and supplement for traditional riprap revetment rather than a complete replacement. Tetrahedral permeable frames can achieve a velocity reduction rate of 30%-70%, effectively disturbing flow, decelerating currents, promoting sedimentation, and protecting banks. Inside the frames, time-averaged flow velocity decreases significantly and presents an S-shaped vertical distribution; turbulence intensity and Reynolds stress rise notably inside frames and in the wake zone, achieving efficient energy dissipation. (2) Optimization parameters: key structural parameters and layout modes exert decisive influences on its anti-scour and sediment-promoting performances. Optimal performance is achieved when the void ratio ranges between 4.5 and 5.0 and the length-to-width ratio of the members is approximately 16. The pointed-end-toward-flow layout yields better velocity-reduction effects than the blunt-end-toward-flow pattern. Prototype projects demonstrate that sediment-deposition thickness can reach 1.2-1.8 m after frame-group implementation, effectively converting erosion-prone concave banks into deposition-favoured zones. Compared with conventional riprap revetment, tetrahedral permeable frames show superior structural stability and favourable economic benefits. (3) Current limitations: current studies are mostly based on laboratory flume tests under constant flow and uniform sediment conditions; high-resolution measurement of transient three-dimensional vortex structures is insufficient, and long-period prototype monitoring data and full-life-cycle stability analysis remain scarce. (4) Future research directions: future work should strengthen the joint research of laboratory experiments, high-fidelity numerical simulation represented by LES and DNS, and long-term prototype observation. It is necessary to carry out quantitative research on sediment transport and deposition rules under complex non-uniform sediment and unsteady flood conditions, and establish an assessment framework for long-term service stability considering scour, abrasion and structural degradation.