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Prevention of heterotopic ossification in hip arthroplasties by means of an early single-dose radiotherapy (6 Gy)

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Abstract

Radiotherapy has proven to be efficient in the prevention of heterotopic bone formation. Its importance is increasing in the treatment of uncemented implants in prosthetic hip surgery, where a localized irradiation field is applied to cover the bone-implant interface. In a prospective study the efficiency of two radiation concepts using two different doses to prevent heterotopic ossifications after total hip arthroplasties or revision arthroplasties was compared. In 7 patients after fractioned irradiation (5 × 2 Gy), two recurrences of periarticular ossification occurred, whilst in 17 patients after a single-shot irradiation of 6 Gy on the first postoperative day, no recurrences were seen. There were no side-effects from the radiation. Radiological signs of lucent cement-free implants or delayed wound-healing were absent. Thus, a single shot of 6 Gy applied within 24 h postoperatively reliably prevents heterotopic bone formation. It is safer than 5 × 2 Gy and facilitates the management of the patient.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Basel, Felix Platter Spital, Burgfelderstrasse 101, CH-4012, Basel, Switzerland

    P. Schai, R. Brunner & E. Morscher

  2. Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

    K. -H. Schubert

Authors
  1. P. Schai
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  2. R. Brunner
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  3. E. Morscher
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  4. K. -H. Schubert
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Schai, P., Brunner, R., Morscher, E. et al. Prevention of heterotopic ossification in hip arthroplasties by means of an early single-dose radiotherapy (6 Gy). Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 114, 153–158 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00443389

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00443389

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