Heelex in Surprise, AZ provides timely, evidence-based single-fraction radiation prophylaxis for heterotopic ossification following total hip arthroplasty and other high-risk orthopedic procedures. We coordinate directly with referring surgeons to meet the critical post-operative treatment window.

Heterotopic Ossification: Clinical Overview

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Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of mature lamellar bone within soft tissues surrounding a joint, most commonly following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Clinically significant HO (Brooker Class III-IV) can result in pain, decreased range of motion, and functional impairment that may ultimately require revision surgery.

Established risk factors include a history of prior HO, hypertrophic osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, post-traumatic arthritis, male sex, and certain surgical approaches. In high-risk populations, the incidence of clinically significant HO without prophylaxis can exceed 30 percent.

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Radiation Prophylaxis: Mechanism and Evidence

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Single-fraction radiation therapy (typically 7-8 Gy) delivered within 72 hours of surgery — ideally within 24 hours either pre- or post-operatively — is a well-established prophylactic intervention. Radiation acts by disrupting the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts within the surgical field, thereby preventing the pathologic bone formation cascade.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses demonstrate that single-fraction radiation is equivalent in efficacy to fractionated regimens and comparable to NSAID prophylaxis, with the advantage of avoiding the gastrointestinal and wound-healing complications associated with prolonged NSAID use. Prophylactic radiation reduces the incidence of clinically significant HO to below 10 percent in most published series.

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Referral Indications

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Radiation prophylaxis for HO is indicated for patients undergoing:

- Total hip arthroplasty with established risk factors for HO
- Revision THA, particularly with prior HO
- Acetabular fracture fixation
- Elbow trauma surgery in high-risk patients
- Re-excision of existing heterotopic bone

The critical variable is timing. Treatment must be initiated within the 24- to 72-hour post-operative window to achieve maximum efficacy. Our clinic maintains scheduling capacity to accommodate urgent post-surgical referrals.

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Referring to Heelex

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Our Surprise, AZ facility is equipped to deliver single-fraction HO prophylaxis with rapid turnaround. The referral process is streamlined:

1. **Contact our clinic** to initiate the referral and confirm scheduling availability relative to the planned surgical date.
2. **Provide operative details** including procedure type, laterality, surgical approach, and relevant risk factors.
3. **Patient presents post-operatively** within the agreed-upon window. Treatment is delivered in a single session lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
4. **Documentation is returned** to the referring surgeon promptly, including treatment summary and dose verification.

We understand the time-sensitive nature of HO prophylaxis and prioritize these cases accordingly.

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**To refer a patient or discuss a case,

 

Call Heelex Surprise at **623-270-7441** or visit [heelexsurprise.com](https://heelexsurprise.com) to learn how LDRT can treat your plantar fibromatosis without surgery.