What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed 2055 patient records to determine the incidence of osteomyelitis in spinal cord injury patients and reported on 44 patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
The incidence of osteomyelitis in spinal cord injury patients was 4.3%, with 88% of cases developing secondary to pressure ulcers. Among 44 patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, antibiotics, and surgery, two-thirds were cured of their bone infection.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with spinal cord injuries who develop chronic osteomyelitis, particularly from pressure ulcers, may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment. This approach could help resolve bone infections and promote wound healing, potentially improving outcomes for this complex condition.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Long Beach, USA.
Study Limitations
This study is limited by its retrospective design, the small number of patients in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy cohort, and the absence of a control group.