This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To investigate the benefits and harms of surgical, non-surgical, and pharmacological interventions for paediatric primary lower limb avascular necrosis (AVN). This is a common review protocol, outlining the approach for four separate Cochrane reviews for paediatric primary lower limb AVN. To assess the benefit and harm of surgical interventions for paediatric primary lower limb AVN on function, pain, patient-reported outcomes, and radiological outcomes. To assess the benefit and harm of non-surgical interventions for paediatric primary lower limb AVN on function, pain, patient-reported outcomes, and radiological outcomes. To assess the benefit and harm of pharmacological interventions for paediatric primary lower limb AVN on function, pain, patient-reported outcomes, and radiological outcomes. To assess the comparative effectiveness of surgical, non-surgical, and pharmacological interventions for paediatric primary lower limb AVN on function, pain, patient-reported outcomes, and radiological outcomes. The secondary objective for all four of the reviews is to evaluate health equity by assessing the effects across different geographical regions, gender, and age groups.
Ball et al. (Wed,) studied this question.