What Researchers Did
Doctors in Taiwan reported a case of a patient receiving HBOT for facial osteoradionecrosis (bone death from radiation) who developed air trapped under the skin around the eye (periorbital emphysema) during a treatment session.
What They Found
Extensive emphysema developed in the periorbital, facial, and neck areas during the HBOT session after the patient had previously undergone sequestrectomy (surgical removal of dead bone). The air escaped from the surgical site and tracked through tissue planes under the increased pressure. The case was managed and resolved, but it represents a serious and uncommon complication.
Canadian Relevance
Osteoradionecrosis is an OHIP-covered HBOT indication in Ontario.
Study Limitations
This is a single case report describing a rare complication, so its frequency and best management strategy cannot be established from this case alone.