[Efficacy and prognostic factors of preoperative radiation therapy of elbow arthrolysis].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and prognostic factors of preoperative radiation therapy in patients of elbow arthrolysis.


METHODS
From October 2008 to September 2010, 43 patients with heterotopic ossification (HO) history at elbow were studied retrospectively. Radiation therapy was given in single fraction of 8 Gy within 1-4 h pre-operation. The elbow HO classifications at preoperation and the last follow-up were analyzed and their efficacy and related prognostic factors evaluated.


RESULTS
The median follow-up period was 34 (23.24-46.26) months. The elbow function of 19 (44.2%) cases returned to normal. One case was ineffective. Only one case had vulnus swelling. Graham and Hastings HO classification scores were significantly different between pre-operation and the last follow-up (Z = -5.899, P = 0.000). Logistic analysis showed that age and time between diagnoses and treatment had a significant influence of elbow HO.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative radiation therapy of 8 Gy within 1-4 h of elbow arthrolysis is both safe and effective. And greater age, milder wound and longer time between diagnoses and treatment have better outcomes.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China. Email: jiangjing911@163.com.
Jing
J
Jiang
Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China.
Tong
T
Fang
Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China.
Li
L
Chen
Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China.
Yidong
Y
Chen
Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China.
Baojin
B
Sun
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004551:Elbow Joint; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057913:Joint Capsule Release / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult