Numerous studies have documented the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for healing chronic refractory osteomyelitis. Both Medicare and many private insurance companies pay for the cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to heal chronic refractory osteomyelitis.
As you know, Osteomyelitis can cause severe pain and other symptoms. It is a challenging condition to treat, especially when it is chronic. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising treatment option, especially when antibiotics alone do not resolve the osteomyelitis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by increasing the amount of oxygen that dissolves in the blood and reaches the affected bone tissue. This increased oxygen supply helps the body fight the infection and promote healing.
Here are some of the ways in which HBOT can help treat osteomyelitis:
- Increased oxygen supply: Osteomyelitis often leads to reduced blood flow to the affected bone, which in turn reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the blood by up to 1,200%, and promotes the growth of new blood vessels, which can help deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.
- Enhanced immune response: Hyperbarics stimulates the immune system, which can help fight the infection and reduce inflammation. The increased oxygen supply can also help white blood cells function more effectively, which can further boost the immune response.
- Improved wound healing: Osteomyelitis often results in open wounds that are difficult to heal. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to promote the growth of new tissue, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the production of collagen, which is essential for wound healing.
- Antibacterial effects: Hyperbaric oxygen creates an environment that is hostile to bacteria, as some bacteria are anaerobic and cannot survive in the presence of high levels of oxygen. By increasing the oxygen supply to the affected bone, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help kill bacteria and prevent them from multiplying.
- Reduced need for surgery: As you know, in some cases, osteomyelitis requires surgical intervention to remove infected tissue or bone. However, HBOT can help reduce the need for surgery by promoting healing and reducing the severity of the infection.
At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we have worked with referring physicians for over 24 years to help heal patients with chronic refractory osteomyelitis. In doing so, patients report higher satisfaction with their referring physician and care team, and are healed at much higher percentage than without hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We follow all standard protocols and our physicians and nurse practitioners work closely with your care team.
Please give us a call today to discuss your patients or have your care team download our patient referral form. We can get patients in quickly and get them on the road to recovery.