Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis

A Proven, Non-Invasive Path to Lasting Pain Relief

The Osteoarthritis Challenge

Over 32 million Americans live with osteoarthritis — the most common joint disease. Pain, stiffness, and disability reduce quality of life and cost the U.S. economy $85+ billion annually in direct medical expenses.

Conventional Treatment Limitations

NSAIDs carry GI & cardiovascular risk
Steroid injections damage cartilage over time
Opioids: addiction risk & limited efficacy
Joint replacement: major surgery, long recovery
Physical therapy: helpful but often insufficient alone

32M+

Americans with OA

$85B

Annual U.S. Medical Cost

18.7M

Working-Age Adults Affected

$2,018

Average Cost Per Patient/Year

What is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT)?

A century-old, clinically validated treatment — now available at CRC

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism

At doses <1 Gy per fraction, radiation suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1), reduces macrophage activity, and dampens the inflammatory cascade — without the systemic risks of NSAIDs.

Precisely Targeted

Treatment is delivered directly to the affected joint — knee, hip, hand, shoulder, foot — using CT-guided planning. Only the joint and surrounding tissue receives radiation.

Brief Course of Treatment

6 fractions of 0.5 Gy each, delivered 2–3x per week. Each session takes under 10 minutes. Total course: 2–3 weeks. Outpatient, no anesthesia required.

Exceptionally Safe Profile

Dose is 1/100th to 1/200th of oncologic therapy. Zero reported cases of radiation-induced malignancy in OA patients. Virtually no side effects (Grade 0–1).

The Clinical Evidence Is Clear

Osteoarthritis (OA) — Key Studies

Multicenter Retrospective	Rühle et al., 2021 n=970 patients / 1,185 sites	65–90% pain relief
Prospective	Alvarez et al., 2022 n=100 patients (Hand OA)	Significant reduction at 3, 6, 12 mo
RCT (Germany)	IMMO-LDRT01 Trial n=250 patients	Pain: 6.5 → 3.8 VAS; anti-inflammatory immune changes
Multicenter RCT	ArthroRad Trial n=133 pts / 244 joints	Superiority of 0.5 Gy vs. very low dose confirmed

Source: Rühle 2021, Alvarez 2022, IMMO-LDRT01, ArthroRad Trial, Ott 2012, Hautmann 2014, Rudat 2021

Plantar Fasciitis

LDRT Response Rates

Overall: 1,538 patients — 81% Response Rate

Why LDRT Is a More Cost-Effective Long-Term Treatment Option

One-time cost. Lasting relief. 5–10× more cost-efficient over 3–5 years.

Treatment Factor	✓ LDRT	Conventional Management
One-Time Cost	$6,000 – $8,000	$8,000 – $22,000
Duration of Relief	1–3 Years	Short Term
Side Effects	Minimal (Grade 0–1)	GI, Cardiac, Addiction
Anesthesia	None	Often Required
Systemic Risk	None	Significant
5-Year Total Cost	$6,000 – $8,000	$40,000 – $110,000+

✓ LDRT covered by Medicare & major private insurers (Evicore guidelines, Page 172 Section T) — minimal prior authorization issues

Who Is a Candidate for LDRT?

Ideal Candidates

Adults 45+ with confirmed osteoarthritis
Moderate-to-severe OA
(symptom stages: medium to late)
Failed or intolerant to NSAIDs / PT / injections
Seeking non-surgical alternative before joint replacement
Knee, hip, shoulder, hand, wrist, ankle, or foot OA
Plantar fasciitis or tendinopathy (also responsive)
Patients who prefer to avoid systemic medications

Joint Sites We Treat

Knee	Most common — bilateral possible
Hip	Full joint space included
Hand & Fingers	All joints, 1cm bolus
Wrist	Opposed beam technique
Shoulder	Lung blocking used
Ankle & Foot	Vaclock or Aquaplast setup
Plantar Fascia	Heel spur / fasciitis

Your Treatment Journey at CRC

Simple. Outpatient. No surgery. No anesthesia.

Consultation

Meet with our radiation oncologist to evaluate your OA, review imaging, and confirm candidacy.

CT Simulation

A brief CT scan maps the joint for precise treatment planning. Custom immobilization device created.

Treatment Planning

Dosimetrist and physicist design your personalized radiation plan targeting the joint and surrounding tissue.

6 Fractions Treatment

0.5 Gy per session, 2–3x per week, over 2–3 weeks. Each visit is under 10 minutes. Fully outpatient.

Follow-Up at 3 Months

Pain & function scoring. If significant pain persists, a second course is available. Most patients see relief within 6 weeks.

Retreatment Option: 30–40% of patients may benefit from a second 6-fraction course, assessed at 3-month follow-up. Same dose, same protocol.

Why Choose Capital Radiosurgery Centers?

Expert. Compassionate. Accessible.

Specialized Expertise

Our radiation oncologists are trained specifically in LDRT for benign conditions — not a side service.

Medicare & Insurance Covered

We handle prior authorization. Evicore guidelines (Sec. T) support coverage for degenerative skeletal disorders.

Minimal Time Commitment

6 outpatient visits of <10 min each. No hospital stays, no recovery time, no work disruption.

Evidence-Based Protocol

Our protocol follows DEGRO, RCR, and leading published research — 0.5 Gy × 6 fractions, CT-planned.

Referral Partnerships

Growing referral network with primary care and orthopedic specialists. Co-management supported.

Outcomes We Track

We monitor pain scores at 3, 6, and 12 months. Our results align with the 65–90% response rates in literature.

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Care All in One Place

Technology is only part of the equation. At CRC, every step—nursing, care coordination, therapy, dosimetry, and oncology—is handled in-house, creating a seamless, patient-centered experience from consultation to treatment completion.

Meet Your Care Team

What to Expect

See what to expect during treatment and how we guide you every step of the way.

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