What Researchers Did
Researchers presented a case report detailing the successful use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in a 76-year-old man with a compromised free flap after calcaneal osteomyelitis reconstruction.
What They Found
Despite undergoing 2 reoperations, HBOT was initiated for a total of 9 sessions after the second reoperation. Fresh bleeding occurred after the sixth HBOT session, and while the flap developed epidermal necrosis, it was ultimately salvaged through conservative treatment.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients facing compromised free flaps, this suggests HBOT could be a valuable adjunctive treatment, particularly after mechanical causes have been ruled out. It may enhance flap survival rates in challenging reconstruction cases.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection as it was conducted outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, this study's findings are limited in generalizability and require further investigation through larger studies.