Pathological fracture after radiotherapy: systematic review of literature

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological data and available treatments for fractures secondary to radiotherapy treatment. METHODS: Identification of publications on pathological skeletal fractures previously exposed to ionizing radiation. RESULTS: The incidence of fractures after irradiation varies from 1.2% to 25% with a consolidation rate of 33% to 75%, being more frequent in the ribs, pelvis, and femur. The time elapsed between irradiation and fracture occurs years after radiotherapy. Risk factors include age above 50 years, female gender, extensive periosteal detachment, circumferential irradiation, tumor size, and anterior thigh location. The etiology is still uncertain, but cellular disappearance, reduction of bone turnover and activity were observed hematopoietic as possible causes of failure of consolidation. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus in the literature on the factors related to the development of fractures, with radiation dose, previous tumor size and periosteal detachment being suggested as potential factors.