An introduction to low dose radiation therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, degenerative disease that affects the tissues of the joint spaces, such as the shoulder. Conventional medical treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications, are not always sufficient to alleviate the symptoms from this disease. Low dose radiotherapy is a newer treatment option for patients with shoulder osteoarthritis and has shown positive outcomes. However, the problem is that there is a paucity of literature about treatment planning considerations for this new treatment option. The purpose of this case study was to provide an example of treatment planning techniques and considerations for shoulder osteoarthritis. Treatment techniques for shoulder LDRT, such as treatment field borders, prescribed dose, beam arrangements, appropriate beam energy, and special considerations are discussed.