Prophylaxis of heterotopic bone formation by radiotherapy -- a comparison between pre- and postsurgical activity.
BACKGROUND
Heterotopic bone formation after total hip replacement is estimated to occur in about 30% of all patients. It may develop into restriction of mobility and persisting pain.


METHODS
From 1991 to 1998, 90 patients with uncemented total hip replacement and known risks to develop heterotopic bone formation were treated by radiotherapy (14 patients received 5 x 3 gy between the first and the fifth postoperative day, 13 patients received 1 x 7 gy between 24 hours postoperative, 63 Patients received 1 x 7 gy between 24 hours preoperative) using gamma ray or high-energy photons. The distance between radiation and surgical procedure was never more than 24 hours. Clinical and radiological assessment was carried out 3, 6 and 12 month after surgery.


RESULTS
Independent of the method of radiotherapy no clinically relevant ossification was noticed on the follow up in any of the 90 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study show the efficiency of radiotherapy in the prophylaxis of heterotopic bone formation, independent of the three applied methods. It seems to be important, that the interval between radiation and surgery is not longer than 24 hours. Because of possible risks and logistic problems preoperative radiation should be preferred over postsurgical treatment.
Roth
A
A
Department of Orthopaedics of the "Rudolf-Elle" Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Eisenberg, Germany. ajroth@gmx.de
Füller
J
J
Fährmann
M
M
Anders
J
J
Sachse
A
A
Sander
K
K
Venbrocks
R
R
D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care