What Researchers Did
Researchers treated 38 patients with chronic non-hematogenous osteomyelitis using local débridements, prolonged parenteral antibiotics, and an average of 48 hyperbaric oxygen treatments.
What They Found
Of the 38 patients, 34 (89%) remained free of clinical signs of osteomyelitis for an average of 34 months after this regimen. In contrast, only 4 patients had been infection-free for three months in the two years prior to treatment, with three of the four treatment failures occurring within one month.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients suffering from chronic non-hematogenous osteomyelitis may benefit from this combined treatment approach. It suggests a potential to significantly prolong the infection-free interval, improving quality of life.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection or involvement.
Study Limitations
The study's limitations include a relatively small sample size and the absence of a randomized control group for comparison.