Learn the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic refractory osteomyelitis

How HBOT helps when chronic bone infections will not heal

Chronic bone infections can be stubborn, painful, and very difficult to treat. Even with surgery and strong antibiotics, some infections persist or recur. In fact, there are over 50,000 hospital admissions of patients with chronic refractory osteomyelitis every year. [1] When that happens, doctors may recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an additional treatment to support healing. 

Continue reading to learn more about how HBOT fits into a comprehensive treatment plan.

 

What is chronic refractory osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone. It usually happens when bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus, reach the bone through the bloodstream, after an injury or surgery, or from a nearby infected wound. 

When the infection persists for an extended period, recurs, or fails to improve despite appropriate surgery and antibiotics, it is often referred to as chronic refractory osteomyelitis. In simple terms, this means a long-lasting bone infection that has proven difficult to cure, even after standard treatments have been tried.

Symptoms of osteomyelitis may include:

• Swelling, warmth, and tenderness over the area of the infection
• Pain near the infection
• Tiredness
• Fever

 

Sometimes osteomyelitis causes no symptoms. When it does cause symptoms, they may be due to other conditions. This may be especially true for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. [2] 

People at higher risk include those who have:

• Diabetes, especially with foot ulcers
• Poor circulation or peripheral arterial disease
• Prior bone surgery, fractures, or orthopedic hardware
• Weakened immune systems

 

Without effective treatment, chronic refractory osteomyelitis can lead to ongoing pain, nonhealing wounds, and, in severe cases, the need for amputation.

 

Learn more:
Expediting recovery: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and bone repair

 

Why are chronic bone infections so challenging to treat?

Bone is not as richly supplied with blood as some other tissues. Once bacteria settle there, several problems can develop:

• Reduced blood flow and low oxygen levels in the affected bone
• Scar tissue and dead bone, which block antibiotics from reaching the infection
• Ongoing inflammation, swelling, and damage to nearby tissue

 

Standard care usually includes surgical cleaning of the infected area, removal of dead bone, and long courses of targeted antibiotics. Even so, recurrence rates for chronic osteomyelitis remain significant, which is why additional therapies are sometimes needed. [3]

 

Benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic refractory osteomyelitis

Research suggests that adding HBOT to surgery and antibiotics can improve outcomes for many patients with chronic refractory osteomyelitis. Several reviews and clinical reports describe remission or long-term control in roughly 75 to 85 percent of patients when HBOT is used alongside culture-directed antibiotics and appropriate surgery. [3]

1. Raises oxygen levels in infected bone

Chronic infections often create areas of bone that are poorly supplied with blood and oxygen. HBOT dramatically increases the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, which allows more oxygen to reach infected bone and surrounding tissues. This improved oxygen environment helps:

• Support white blood cells as they attack bacteria
• Slow the growth of bacteria that prefer low oxygen conditions
• Improve the local environment so healing can begin

 

2. Helps antibiotics work more effectively

Some antibiotics work better when there is adequate oxygen. Higher oxygen levels can improve the penetration of these medications into tissues and their interaction with bacteria. When HBOT is combined with properly chosen antibiotics, studies suggest better infection control than with medications alone.

3. Encourages new blood vessels and better circulation

Long-term infection and inflammation can damage small blood vessels in bone and soft tissue. HBOT has been shown to stimulate the growth of new capillaries, a process called angiogenesis. Over time, this can improve circulation in the treated area and support more durable healing.

4. Supports bone repair and tissue healing

By improving oxygen delivery, HBOT can support cells that rebuild bone and soft tissue. This helps the body fill in areas of bone loss and repair damaged tissue after surgery. Better tissue quality around the infection site can also reduce the risk of wound reopening.

5. May lower the risk of serious complications

In high-risk situations, such as diabetic foot infections that involve bone, adding HBOT has been associated with better wound healing and a lower risk of major amputation in some studies, primarily when used as part of a coordinated treatment approach. 

 

Related resource:
How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy heal wounds?

 

How we can help

At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we are here to support your healing journey. With our qualified team, highest safety standards, comfortable environment, and commitment to welcoming all patients, we prioritize you and ensure your needs are met throughout your experience at our Orlando, New Smyrna Beach, and Leesburg HBOT centers. 

Our state-of-the-art Sechrist 3600 monoplane hyperbaric chambers are made of clear acrylic and equipped with streaming capabilities so you can relax and watch your favorite TV show during treatment.

Our team of hyperbaric specialists is ready to answer any questions you may have before undergoing treatment! We welcome you to contact us today.

 

1: Cutis Care |Treating Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis Adjunctive With HBOT
2: Mayo Clinic | Osteomyelitis
3: American Family Physician | Osteomyelitis: Diagnosis and Treatment