Low-Dose Radiation May Slow Early Knee Osteoarthritis

A long-term analysis of a randomized Russian trial of 292 patients found that low-dose radiation therapy (4.5 Gy over 10 sessions) plus medication gave more lasting pain relief and less joint deterioration than medication alone. Over a median 11.9 years, radiation was linked to a 67% lower hazard of disability, and among grade 2 patients knee replacements occurred in 14% versus 36%. The findings were presented at the ASTRO Annual Meeting and need larger trials.

• 292 participants received 4.5 Gy over 10 sessions via orthovoltage machine
• 67% lower adjusted hazard of disability over 11.9 years
• Grade 2: knee replacement in 14% vs 36% on medication alone
• MRI over 3 years: slight improvement with radiation, worsening without