What Researchers Did
Researchers administered hyperbaric oxygen therapy to 18 patients with type III osteoradionecrosis and assessed their quality of life using questionnaires before and after treatment.
What They Found
The EORTC Core 30 showed significant improvements in emotional functioning and insomnia (P ≤ .01), and the EORTC Head and Neck 35 indicated improvements in social eating and teeth (P ≤ .01). However, the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 revealed a significant decrease in social functioning (P ≤ .01).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with type III osteoradionecrosis might experience improved emotional well-being and reduced insomnia from hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, they should be aware of potential impacts on social functioning.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size of 18 patients and the lack of a control group to isolate the effects of the social environment.