What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively evaluated the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating diabetic foot ulcers at their institution between January 2010 and August 2012.
What They Found
Out of 26 diabetic foot lesions (13 ulcers Wagner grade 2+ and 13 amputation stump ulcers) treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, 23 completed treatment. Complete healing was achieved in 15 (65%) of these lesions, with a mean healing period of 16 weeks, though amputations were still required in 5 limbs.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with diabetic foot ulcers that are slow to heal might benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment. This therapy could potentially improve wound healing rates and reduce the risk of amputation in selected cases.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and therefore has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective observational study with a small sample size, these findings may not be generalizable and lack a control group for comparison.