[Role of radiotherapy in heterotopic ossification].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of radiation therapy for the prevention of heterotopic ossification.


METHODS
Twenty-two patients, 20 to 76 years old were irradiated for the prevention of heterotopic ossification. All patients received a postoperative irradiation consisting of 700 cGy delivered by 18 MV photons using a linear accelerator. The delay between surgery and irradiation was 24 hours for 20 patients, 48 hours for three patients, 72 hours for two patients and 96 hours for one patient. The follow-up of all patients was based on radiologic findings (Brooker score) as well as the clinical status of the articulation before and after surgery. Of the 14 cases for which follow-up data was available, seven received primary prophylaxis and seven received secondary prophylaxis.


RESULTS
Heterotopic ossification prophylaxis using radiation therapy was radiologically successful in 71.5% of patients: 85.7% success for patients receiving primary prophylaxis and 57.1% success for patients receiving secondary prophylaxis. No functional failure was reported. No patient developed radiation related side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation therapy is proven to be effective in preventing heterotopic ossification. A larger study group is needed in order to compare our results with those seen in the literature.
Nasr
E
E
Service de radio-oncologie, hôtel-Dieu-de-France, université Saint-Joseph, boulevard Alfred-Naccache, BP 166830 Achrafié, Beyrouth, Liban. nasre@inco.com.lb
Nehme
R
R
Ghanem
I
I
Azoury
F
F
Nasr
D Nehme
DN
Dagher
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010315:Particle Accelerators; D018579:Patient Selection; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries