What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective study on 13 patients with chronic refractory osteomyelitis of the femur, treated with adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy between December 1999 and May 2002.
What They Found
Complete eradication of infection with no recurrence was observed in 12 of 13 patients, resulting in a 92% success rate. One patient did not respond to treatment, and no hyperbaric oxygen therapy related complications were reported.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients suffering from chronic refractory osteomyelitis of the femur, this study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment. This approach, when combined with adequate surgical debridement and antibiotics, may offer a high success rate in eradicating persistent infections.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in Taiwan and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's retrospective design, small sample size of 13 patients, and preliminary nature limit the generalizability of these findings.