What Researchers Did
Researchers systematically reviewed 7 studies on HBOT specifically for diabetic foot ulcers without peripheral arterial disease, examining healing, amputation rates, and mortality.
What They Found
Five studies reported on complete wound healing -- none showed significant benefit from HBOT versus standard care. Two studies found no difference in major amputation rate. One large retrospective study found slightly higher major amputation rates in the HBOT group.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This is an important nuance: HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers appears most beneficial when there is also reduced blood flow. Canadian patients with diabetic ulcers but good circulation may not benefit from HBOT, and clinicians should select patients carefully based on vascular status.
Canadian Relevance
Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
The review included only 7 studies with heterogeneous methods and small samples; the evidence base for this specific non-ischemic subgroup is thin.