Low dose radiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis
Written in association with:
Clinical oncologist
Published: 20/05/2024
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in the hip joint breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It typically affects older adults and results from wear and tear, leading to inflammation and bone spurs. One method to help alleviate the symptoms of this condition is low-dose radiotherapy.
Leading consultant radiotherapy specialist and clinical oncologist Dr Richard Shaffer explains how it can manage the symptoms, how it compares to surgical methods and risk factors linked to the treatment.
What role does radiotherapy play in managing symptoms of hip osteoarthritis?
Radiotherapy is an effective non-surgical treatment for hip osteoarthritis, offering significant pain relief and improved mobility. Approximately 64% of patients experience a reduction in pain and symptoms with this therapy. It is typically recommended for individuals who have not responded to other treatments for at least three months, and even works for those who have already tried steroid injections.
Radiotherapy may be an alternative to surgery for those with hip osteoarthritis pain, particularly when the condition appears mild or moderate on an X-ray. It is also an option for patients seeking to explore all potential treatments to avoid surgery.
How does radiotherapy compare to surgical options for treating hip osteoarthritis?
Surgery is a major procedure that requires general anaesthesia and weeks of rehabilitation, along with various risks. It is especially useful for severe or advanced osteoarthritis that causes significant pain and limits your ability to function.
In contrast, radiotherapy is a completely non-invasive treatment that doesn't involve any incisions. It is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you don't need to stay in the hospital, and it doesn't require any recovery time. Since it is such a low-dose treatment, it doesn’t tend to have any significant side effects.
What are the common side effects or risks associated with radiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis?
Because radiotherapy uses such a low dose, the side effects are usually very mild. You may occasionally experience some redness or soreness of the skin around the joint and a bit of tiredness. Radiotherapy does not require anaesthesia, injections, or surgery. It's a simple outpatient treatment that can be scheduled around your regular work or leisure activities.
Is radiotherapy a one-time treatment, or are multiple sessions required?
The course of radiotherapy is 6 treatments over 2-3 weeks. Each treatment is done on an outpatient basis and takes roughly 10 minutes. Around 70% of people need a second course of radiotherapy in order to maximise the benefit of the treatment.
Are there specific factors that determine the effectiveness of radiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis?
Radiotherapy is most effective when there is clear evidence of osteoarthritis on an X-ray. However, if there is significant deformity or very advanced changes visible on the X-ray, it may be less effective.
If you are considering low-dose radiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis and would like to book a consultation with Dr Shaffer, do not hesitate to do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.