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01-03-2006 | Musculoskeletal

The effect of X-rays on bone: a pictorial review

Authors: H. J. Williams, A. M. Davies

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 3/2006

Abstract

The deleterious effects of X-rays on bone have been recognised for almost a century and continue to be seen today because of improved survival in patients treated for malignancy with radiotherapy with or without other treatments. In this pictorial review we present the imaging features of radiation damage to bone highlighting the differences seen in the immature skeleton and post-skeletal fusion. In the former, damage is greatest to the physis resulting in growth disturbances. In the mature skeleton there is a spectrum of changes from mild osteopenia, through disordered attempts at healing with varying degrees of sclerosis, radionecrosis which may lead to acute fractures following minimal trauma and insufficiency fractures both with refractory healing to the dreaded complication of sarcomatous transformation. The imaging appearances are illustrated and the features that help distinguish malignant change from other complications stressed.

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Title: The effect of X-rays on bone: a pictorial review
Authors: H. J. Williams
A. M. Davies
Publication date: 01-03-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 3/2006
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-005-0010-7

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The effect of X-rays on bone: a pictorial review

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