PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURES AND RISK OF OSTEOMYELITIS IN CANCER OR IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the relationship between pathological fractures and the risk of developing osteomyelitis in immunosuppressed patients. An integrative literature review was conducted, searching the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane databases using the descriptors "Pathological Fracture," "Osteomyelitis," "Neoplasms," and "Immunosuppression." Seven studies published in the last ten years, focusing on orthopedics, traumatology, and infectious diseases, were included. The results indicated that patients with bone metastases or multiple myeloma have a higher incidence of pathological fractures, and that immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients and those with HIV, are especially susceptible to osteomyelitis. Factors such as prolonged corticosteroid use, chemotherapy, and the presence of foreign bodies were identified as the main predisposing factors for bone infection. The discussion reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and active surveillance, as well as the need for a multidisciplinary approach to reduce complications. The study concludes that appropriate management requires specific clinical protocols and investment in future research to overcome limitations in the current literature, such as the scarcity of clinical trials and publication bias.