Thomas Weissmann, Michael Heinrich Seegenschmiedt, David Rene Steike, Richard Shaffer, Jan Kriz, Felix Pascher, Anne-Marie Thole, Fraenze Linke, Caterina Wimmer, Gilles Colin, Angel Montero, Beatriza Alvarez, Raul Hernanz de Lucas, Amalia Sotoca, Silvia Gomez Ordonez, Francesco Cellini, Gabriele Reinartz, David Barron, Bobby Nagendra Koneru, Mark Trombetta, Hans Theodor Eich
Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly tendinitis and bursitis, are major contributors to global disability and healthcare burden. Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) has emerged as a promising treatment for refractory cases, demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, especially in inflammatory conditions. However, the lack of standardized treatment volumes hampers reproducibility, radiation safety, and broader clinical adoption. To address this gap, an international panel of experts applied the Delphi method to develop consensus-based target volumes for LDRT in common indications such as shoulder bursitis, lateral elbow tendinitis, trochanteric pain syndrome, achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Utilizing a standardized CT-based homunculus, target volumes were delineated in a 3D Cartesian coordinate system to enable precise definition of gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV), and planning target volume (PTV). Additionally, associated ICD-10 codes were defined to facilitate clinical documentation, billing, and future research. This structured approach provides a foundation for consistent treatment protocols, improved radiation protection, and future prospective trials to refine LDRT application in benign musculoskeletal conditions.