What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating delayed bony healing and established non-union of fractures.
What They Found
This systematic review found no randomized controlled trials that met their inclusion criteria to evaluate hyperbaric oxygen therapy for fracture healing. One trial was excluded due to a lack of reported clinical outcomes, meaning no relevant clinical evidence was found to support or refute HBOT's effectiveness.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Currently, there is no clear evidence from randomized controlled trials to recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Canadian patients experiencing delayed fracture healing or non-union. Patients should discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers, as the effectiveness of HBOT for these conditions remains unproven.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The main limitation of this systematic review is the complete absence of randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria, preventing any conclusions about HBOT's effectiveness.