Osteoarthritis affects more than 32.5 million Americans, making it the most common form of arthritis in the United States. For approximately one in seven adults, this degenerative joint condition can mean living with persistent pain and stiffness that significantly impacts daily life.
This chronic condition affects joints throughout the body, including:
- Upper body: shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands
- Lower body: hips, knees, ankles, and feet
These are the joints that typically experience the most wear and tear through daily activities, potentially limiting mobility and overall quality of life.
“Osteoarthritis can significantly impact a person’s ability to maintain an active lifestyle, with downstream implications on their mental, physical, and socioeconomical health,” explains Dr. Michael Millligan, radiation oncologist at Spectrum Healthcare Partners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies osteoarthritis as the most common type of arthritis and a leading cause of disability in the United States.
Renewed Interest in Alternative Treatments
While traditional medical treatments for osteoarthritis include topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), steroid injections, and joint replacement surgeries, another non-invasive approach is now available: Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT). This treatment can be an alternative, or complement, to traditional therapies, with minimal side effects and the potential for rapid improvement in a patient’s quality of life.
LDRT has been successfully used in Germany and other European countries for decades, supported by numerous studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in providing long-term pain relief and improving joint mobility. As evidence continues to build, this treatment has become increasingly popular in North America and is now available through the Radiation Oncology division of Spectrum Healthcare Partners.
How LDRT Works
LDRT addresses the underlying source of pain and progression in osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammation at the affected site through targeted radiation.
“Unlike radiation used for cancer therapy, which is meant to lethally damage tumor cells, the dose used for LDRT is simply meant to modulate the immune and inflammatory environment,” notes Dr. Whitney Beeler. “Radiation reduces the amount of “pro-inflammatory” signals in the affected joint while simultaneously up-regulating “anti-inflammatory” processes. The result is reduced swelling, pain, and stiffness within the affected joint, which often lasts for months or years.”
Safe, Precise, and Effective Treatment
LDRT utilizes the same equipment used in cancer treatment—a linear accelerator (LINAC)—but with substantially lower radiation doses. While cancer treatments typically require 60-80 gray (the unit measuring absorbed radiation), LDRT for osteoarthritis typically delivers just three gray to the affected joint. This lower dose eliminates the risk of skin reactions common in cancer radiation therapy, and does not damage cells or tissues long-term. There is no evidence that LDRT increases the risk of future surgical complications, and there are no reported cases of LDRT-induced cancers.
“This is simply another non-invasive, low risk ‘tool in the toolkit’ for patients with osteoarthritis,” says Dr. Beeler. “Unlike cancer radiation treatments, which can take several weeks to complete, LDRT is typically delivered over six outpatient sessions, just 15 minutes each. It only takes a few seconds to deliver the radiation – most of the time during treatment is spent ensuring precise positioning and patient comfort. Once the machine turns off, there is no radiation in or around the patient, and no precautions are necessary after treatment.” Each treatment is delivered with exceptional precision, using custom molds to ensure accurate targeting of the affected area. Daily equipment testing by medical physicists maintains consistent accuracy and safety.
Spectrum’s radiation oncologists are pleased to offer LDRT to patients 50 years of age or older, for the following affected joints:
Upper Body Treatment Areas:
- Shoulder joints for improved range of motion and reduced pain
- Elbow joints to enhance daily activities and movements
- Wrist joints for better flexibility and reduced pain
- Hand joints, including individual finger joints, to maintain dexterity and function
Lower Body Treatment Areas:
- Hip joints to improve mobility and reduce pain while walking
- Knee joints for better stability and movement
- Ankle joints to enhance stability and walking comfort
- Foot joints, including toe joints, for improved balance and comfort
Results and Benefits
Many patients report improvement after just one treatment, with maximum benefits typically achieved after completing all six sessions. The effects generally last about two years, after which treatment can be repeated if necessary. Studies indicate success rates of up to 94%, with approximately two-thirds of patients experiencing significant symptomatic improvement.
The treatment is covered by Medicare and private insurers, making it an accessible option for many patients.
Looking Ahead
LDRT represents an exciting advancement in osteoarthritis treatment, offering hope to patients seeking alternatives or complements to their traditional therapies. For those struggling with osteoarthritis’s impact on their daily activities, whether it’s difficulty with routine tasks or limitations in recreational activities, LDRT may provide a path to improved mobility and reduced pain.
To learn more about LDRT for osteoarthritis or to schedule a consultation, call our offices in Bath, Portland, Sanford, and Scarborough (207.662.6244) or Portsmouth, NH (603.559.4188).
