[Radiotherapy as prevention of heterotopic ossification--preliminary results]

Heterotopic ossification is a common complication of hip arthroplasty (35-57%) and multifragmental acetabular fractures (50-70%). Due to complication level and cost of surgery in this region, more popular become methods of heterotopic ossification prevention as well as non-steroid anti inflammatory drug intake and radiotherapy (approximately 90% effectiveness in high risk groups). Presented material comprises 22 cases irradiated using a dose of 6-7 Gy delivered in one fraction to prevent ossification or to stop active process. No progress was found and only in one case secondary ossification appeared during follow up. Obtained results allow to form the conclusion that radiotherapy is easy, fast and cheap treatment modality giving good results without adverse effects.