What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of the scientific literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic refractory osteomyelitis.
What They Found
The review found no conclusive randomised clinical trials on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for refractory osteomyelitis, despite its coverage by CMS NCD 20.29. However, a comprehensive literature review suggests that adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, combined with routine surgical and antibiotic treatment, is safe and improves infection resolution rates. Optimal results are typically achieved when hyperbaric oxygen treatment is administered concurrently with culture-directed antibiotics.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it primarily discusses US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) coverage and general literature.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation is the lack of conclusive randomised clinical trials specifically examining the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on refractory osteomyelitis.