Low-Dose Radiotherapy offers immediate pain relief, quicker recovery, and better movement through a non-invasive procedure
Maharashtra, April 01, 2026: In a significant development in arthritis care, Sahyadri Hospitals – a network hospital of Manipal Hospitals, has unveiled a new non-surgical treatment pathway for elderly osteoarthritis patients. The breakthrough offers fresh hope to high-risk patient groups, with encouraging outcomes seen in patients above 65 years, who showed notable pain relief from chronic joint pain and achieved improved mobility.
Osteoarthritis is an emerging health risk in India, as it affects almost 47% of the ageing population. The prognosis further limits the mobility of the patient, hampering the quality of life significantly. A combination of factors like an increased lifespan, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and reduced levels of physical activity are the reasons behind the increased threshold of osteoarthritic degeneration of the joints, especially for those aged beyond 60 years.
Low-Dose Radiotherapy (LDRT) has been deployed worldwide for decades, particularly in Germany, England, and the USA, to treat arthritis pain. LDRT is a painless procedure conducted over short sessions, allowing patients to engage in their normal activities without being hospitalized or requiring bed rest.
“This is a significant moment for patients with arthritis. With this pioneering treatment, we are not only providing relief to patients who previously had no options, but also advancing our commitment to improving patient outcomes through non-surgical, pain-free procedures. We are proud to lead the way in Maharashtra with this ground-breaking approach”, said Mr. Saghir Siddique, Regional Director – West, Manipal Hospitals.
Recently, a 72-year-old female with Grade-3 Osteoarthritis of both knee joints, was successfully treated with LDRT at Sahyadri Hospitals in Hadapsar. The patient, who had a past history of endometrial carcinoma and a multitude of other comorbidities, was a high-risk candidate for knee replacement surgery. She had been experiencing long-standing knee pain, stiffness and difficulty in walking. She underwent six sessions of LDRT to both knees.
At the time of pre-treatment evaluation, she rated her pain as a 6 out of 10 using a standard visual analog scale. In her post-treatment evaluation after two weeks, her pain was rated as a 4 on a 10-point scale and it further improved to 2 out of 10 by the six-week evaluation. Similarly, her overall level of joint stiffness improved and overall walking became easier. In short, there was a marked improvement in her overall quality of life without requiring surgery.
While commenting on the same, Dr. Sanjay Hunugundmath, Director of Radiation Oncology, Sahyadri Hospitals (a network hospital of Manipal Hospitals), stated, “Osteoarthritis causes chronic pain due to persistent inflammation in the joints, and globally, Low Dose Radiotherapy has proven effective in the management of chronic inflammation. LDRT is not meant to replace surgical interventions like joint replacement surgery, but it is certainly a safe option to consider in cases where the need is higher and surgery may not be immediately possible.”
The LDRT treatment protocol at Sahyadri Hospitals is carried out in a structured fashion in a series of short sessions. The team undertakes a multidisciplinary approach, wherein radiation oncologists and orthopaedic surgeons jointly assess patients to determine the best course of treatment.
