What Researchers Did
Researchers analyzed changes in immune and biochemical markers in patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy after surgery for jaw deformities or poorly healed fractures.
What They Found
The study found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy increased immune system activity in patients who initially had low levels of these markers after surgery. However, the amount of hydroxyproline excreted in urine, a marker related to collagen, did not change in patients with maxillary deformations.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients undergoing surgery for jaw deformities or poorly joined fractures, this early research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy might help boost their immune response post-surgery. This could potentially aid in recovery, especially for those with a weakened immune system initially.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This study, published in 1993, provides limited details on the study design, patient numbers, specific HBOT protocols, or quantitative results, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions.