What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed existing literature on hyperbaric oxygen treatment for chronic osteomyelitis of the jaws and presented their own results from 16 patients.
What They Found
While literature often reports good outcomes, only 7 of the 16 patients (44%) in this study were considered cured with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. A combined antibiotic and surgical approach is generally preferred for chronic suppurative osteomyelitis, but hyperbaric oxygen may be indicated for chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis or when other therapies fail.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the jaws will likely receive a combination of antibiotics and surgery as the primary treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be considered as an additional option if initial treatments are unsuccessful or for specific types of osteomyelitis.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's small sample size of 16 patients and the lack of definite criteria for hyperbaric oxygen treatment or result evaluation limit the generalizability of its findings.