Periarticular Soft Tissue Disorders: Enthesopathies, Tendinopathies, and Bursitis-Pathophysiology and...

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Radiotherapy
• Pain Management

Background:

• Periarticular soft tissue disorders (enthesopathies, tendinopathies, bursitis) are major causes of adult musculoskeletal pain and disability.
• These conditions often stem from repetitive microtrauma, overuse, degeneration, and inflammation affecting entheses, tendons, and surrounding structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of periarticular syndromes, focusing on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and radiotherapeutic management.
• To highlight the role of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) for refractory cases.
• To discuss contemporary practice patterns and evidence supporting LDRT.

Main Methods:

• Review of pathophysiology, clinical, and imaging features of conditions like painful shoulder syndrome, epicondylitis, trochanteric pain, and plantar fasciitis.
• Analysis of contemporary practice patterns for LDRT, including patient selection, dosimetry, and techniques (linear accelerator, orthovoltage).
• Summarization of data from prospective and retrospective studies on LDRT efficacy and outcomes.

Main Results:

• LDRT demonstrates notable pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with refractory periarticular soft tissue disorders.
• Studies indicate favorable response rates, with defined optimal dosage regimens and re-irradiation timing.
• Age-based treatment considerations and integration into multimodal care pathways are discussed.

Conclusions:

• LDRT is an effective treatment option for recalcitrant periarticular soft tissue disorders, offering symptom control and functional restoration.
• Radiotherapy can be successfully integrated into multimodal care pathways for enhanced patient outcomes.
• Further research and standardized protocols can optimize LDRT application in managing these common conditions.