What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate if hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps heal bony fractures and fracture non-unions.
What They Found
The review found no completed randomized controlled trials that met their criteria to assess the benefit of HBOT for fracture healing or non-union. However, they did identify three ongoing randomized controlled trials related to this topic.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing delayed healing or non-union of bony fractures, this review indicates there is currently no high-quality evidence from completed randomized controlled trials to support hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an effective treatment. Patients should discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers, as ongoing research may provide more clarity in the future.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The primary limitation of this systematic review is the complete absence of completed randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria, preventing any conclusions about HBOT's effectiveness for fracture healing.