A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF RADIATION THERAPY ON BONE |
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| Authors: | Susan M.,LaRue,DVM,MS,Robert H.,Wrigley,BVSc,MS,DVR,MVRC&dagger ,Barbarae.,Powers,DVM,MS,PhD&dagger |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins;Department of Radiology and Radiation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. |
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| Abstract: | A literature review describes bone changes that may develop after radiation therapy. Irradiation of mature bone results in vascular and cellular changes best characterized as osteopenia. Irradiated bone is susceptible to subsequent fracture, septic osteoradionecrosis, and sarcoma formation. Irradiation of fractured bones may result in delayed healing or nonunion of the fracture; however, in some patients, healing will occur. Pathologic fractures associated with neoplasia may heal after radiation therapy if internal fixation is employed. Irradiation of growing bone typically results in retardation of longitudinal growth. Clinical manifestations of radiation-induced changes of bone are uncommon; however, when they occur, the results may be devastating. |
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| Keywords: | bones effects of irradiation |
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