What Researchers Did
Researchers looked at whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy affects quality of life in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
What They Found
This was a prospective, non-controlled observational study of 73 patients with Stage I or II avascular necrosis of the femoral head who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy in two phases of 20 sessions each. Quality-of-life scores on several measures (EQ-5D-5L, Harris Hip Score, MAHORN, and a pain scale) changed significantly between the first and second measurements and between the second and third measurements (p less than 0.01). Despite these measured changes, the study authors concluded that the treatment did not alter quality of life and was well tolerated and accepted by patients.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a non-randomized, non-controlled study with no comparison group, so it cannot establish that hyperbaric oxygen therapy caused any of the changes observed.