Radiation therapy in the prevention of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty.

The administration of radiation to prevent heterotopic bone formation after total hip arthroplasty has been highly successful in this prospective study. It was extremely effective in high-risk patients, including those with preexisting heterotopic ossification. No early deleterious effects were noted. Long-term follow-up is planned to observe for late tumor induction. No wound complications were encountered. Trochanteric nonunions did occur and may be in part related to the radiation. This study demonstrated the importance of the early initiation of treatment. Ninety-eight percent of high-risk patients who began treatment on the second to fourth day postoperatively were free of heterotopic bone after surgery. Meticulous technique is always employed to eliminate debris in the surgical wound, and soft tissues are handled carefully. The search continues for a more complete explanation of the pathogenesis of heterotopic bone formation. A current study has been constructed to demonstrate the minimum dose of radiation that will continue to be effective. Further evaluation of methods to more accurately identify the high-risk patient continues. The effectiveness of radiation therapy in the prevention of heterotopic bone following total hip replacement has been shown.