Side effects of radiation in musculoskeletal oncology.

Radiation therapy is applied for systemic effects to patients with bone and soft tissue tumors and for local effects that facilitate the surgical procedure. However, while it remains an essential treatment of cancers, radiation therapy is associated with unwanted complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize information regarding the complications of radiation in musculoskeletal oncology and their management. Because preoperative radiotherapy is associated with an increased risk of wound complications and postoperative radiation is associated with an increased risk of postradiation fractures, the physician requires additional information in deciding on the best method of treatment, and such information is provided in this review.