The efficacy of 500 centigray radiation in the prevention of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, pilot study

A prospective, randomized, pilot study comparing 500 cGy (group A) versus 1,000 cGy (group B) radiation treatment for the prevention of heterotopic bone in a consecutive group of high-risk patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty was performed. Treatment was initiated within ninety-six hours and given in equal, divided doses: 2 doses for group A and 5 doses for group B. No statistically significant difference was found in the demographics between the 2 groups. At follow-up evaluation, the distribution of heterotopic bone according to the Brooker classification was: group A, 9 class 0, 17 class 1, one class 2, and 2 class 3. Group B: 17 class 0, 10 class 1, 2 class 2, and one class 3. This difference was not statistically significant ( P=.086). Only 3 cases were considered treatment failures, for a success rate of 93% in group A and 97% in group B. As a result of this pilot study, 500 cGy radiation treatment appears to be effective in the prevention of clinically significant heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty.