Radiotherapy of osteoarthritis. Indication, technique, and clinical results

Regarding orthopedic topics, radiotherapy of degenerative joint disorders is actually not well researched. So far, adequate long-term observations and reliable assessment of symptoms according to objective orthopedic criteria are still missing. From 1984 to 1994,85 patients with symptomatic knee joint and hip joint osteoarthritis as well as omarthritis and rhizarthritis were treated. A total of 73 patients or 103 joints (due to bilateral symptoms) were documented in a long-term follow-up using orthopedic scores including objective criteria. Of the patients previously resistant to therapy, 63% responded to RT. Endoprosthetic surgery was necessary for only three patients. With regard to the endpoints "complete pain relief" or "major pain relief," only the parameter "symptom exists 2 years or more" indicated a significantly negative prognosis in multivariate analysis (p<0.05). Radiotherapy of degenerative joint disorders is an effective alternative treatment for refractory osteoarthritis compared to conventional conservative treatment options.