Abstract
The majority of patients with heterotopic ossification are males with traumatic injuries in the hip/femur region. The testes, given their proximity, are exposed to scatter radiation, which has the potential to alter sperm count and morphology. In a prospective study, patients were treated with an 800-cGy dose of radiation without direct exposure of the testes/scrotum but with a testicular shield. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed inside and outside the shield. Mean dose inside and outside the shield was 10.2 and 20.2 cGy, respectively (sperm abnormalities have been reported with 15 cGy). Given our study results, young males should be counseled and should be treated with a testicular shield.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Cohort Studies
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Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
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Femoral Fractures / complications
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Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
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Femoral Fractures / surgery
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Follow-Up Studies
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Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / adverse effects
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Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods
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Hip Fractures / complications
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Hip Fractures / diagnostic imaging
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Hip Fractures / surgery
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Ossification, Heterotopic / prevention & control*
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Ossification, Heterotopic / radiotherapy*
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Prospective Studies
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Radiation Injuries / prevention & control*
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Radiation Protection / methods*
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Radiography
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Radiotherapy Dosage
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Risk Assessment
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Scrotum / radiation effects
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Testis / radiation effects
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Treatment Outcome
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Young Adult