Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
07:19
Fu's Subcutaneous Needling for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Published on: March 24, 2023
Low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis: A practical adjunct for general practice
Peter Gorayski1, Aaron Jin2, Daniel E Roos3
1BSc (Hons), BMBS, FRACGP, FRANZCR, Radiation Oncologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Associate Professor, University of South Australia, SA.
Australian Journal of General Practice
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) offers a potential non-surgical option for osteoarthritis (OA) pain relief and improved function. Studies show 60-70% of patients experience benefits, particularly for knee OA, with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and disability.
- Many patients experience persistent symptoms despite conventional treatments.
- Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is an emerging anti-inflammatory therapy for OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review current evidence on LDRT for OA.
- Provide GPs with guidance on patient selection and integration of LDRT.
- Inform Australian healthcare providers about LDRT's potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on LDRT for OA.
- Analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational data.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- LDRT demonstrates moderate- to long-term pain relief and functional improvement in OA patients.
- Approximately 60-70% of patients report symptomatic improvement.
- Knee OA shows particular benefit from LDRT.
Conclusions:
- LDRT is a viable non-surgical option for chronic refractory OA, especially when surgery is not feasible or desired.
- It offers a safe adjunct to standard OA management with minimal side effects.
- GPs can consider LDRT for select patients to improve outcomes.
