HBOT Therapy Bone Fracture

Bones are complex tissues, and bone growth and healing are multifaceted (having many features) processes. Doctors face a number of challenges when trying to treat bone fractures because of these complexities and internal and external factors that interfere with them. Bone repair isn’t always as simple as this. Healing can be delayed or stopped altogether by extensive trauma, bone loss, infection, ageing, premature mobilisation, diabetes and osteonecrosis (a disease caused by reduced blood flow to bones in the joints, leading to bone death and breakdown). These factors can lead to non-union or non-healing fractures, which causes chronic pain and disability for patients. In these circumstances, re-establishing the structural integrity of the bones can be a major challenge for doctors.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a simple and non-invasive alternative remedy that is widely used for enhancing healing of non-union fractures. HBOT is known to enhance stimulation of the production of collagen, a tough, fibrous material that fills the space between broken bones and helps ‘knit’ them back together. Hyperbaric oxygen also promotes fast growth of new capillaries in affected areas, which in turn brings more oxygen and nutrients to the bones. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that osteoblasts and osteoclasts are exquisitely reactive to increased oxygen. In 2007, D. Wu et al conducted an experiment for Connective Tissue Research, investigating in vitro the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on osteoblasts, the cells responsible for synthesising bone. They observed that HBOT stimulated proliferation of osteoblasts, providing direct cellular evidence that HBOT is effective for fracture healing and bone growth. HBOT also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, improve circulation, boost the immune system, and suppress infection. This is particularly important for tibia/fibular fractures, which have a poor blood supply. Additionally, HBOT helps bone grafts to ‘take’ and heal with fewer complications.