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Radiation-Induced Sarcoma After Heterotopic Ossification Prophylaxis: A Case Report.
David M Rosenberg1, Benjamin Onderdonk2, Nasma K Majeed3
1College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
JBJS Case Connector
|December 10, 2019
Summary
Radiotherapy for heterotopic ossification (HO) prophylaxis can rarely cause radiation-induced sarcoma. Patients should be counseled on this risk before treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the pathological formation of bone in nonosseous tissues, frequently complicating orthopaedic procedures.
- Radiotherapy is a common prophylaxis for HO, despite a known, albeit small, risk of secondary malignancy.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient who developed a periprosthetic sarcoma.
- The sarcoma was radiation-induced and occurred within the radiotherapy treatment field.
- This complication arose within 5 years of receiving a single 7 Gy fraction for HO prophylaxis.
Findings:
- The study highlights a rare but serious complication of HO radiotherapy.
- A radiation-induced sarcoma developed in a patient treated for heterotopic ossification.
Implications:
- Patients undergoing radiotherapy for HO prophylaxis require comprehensive counseling on the risk of radiation-induced sarcoma.
- This case underscores the importance of risk-benefit assessment in radiation therapy for benign conditions.
