What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a literature review of 13 studies published between 2000 and 2019 to understand the clinical utilization, utility, and variability of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in spinal management.
What They Found
The review found that adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may reduce antimicrobial therapy duration and the need for instrument removal or revision surgery. Evidence for HBOT's beneficial use in noncomplicated spinal infections within two months post-surgery is level IV, similar to its support for osteoradionecrosis, while chronic osteomyelitis has level III evidence.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing spinal surgery might benefit from adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) by potentially reducing the need for repeat surgeries and shortening antibiotic treatment durations for infections. This could lead to improved recovery and fewer complications following spinal procedures.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it is a literature review without specific geographic focus.
Study Limitations
The review's conclusions are limited by the small number of included studies (13) and the reliance on lower-level evidence (Level III and IV).