What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate the evidence for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in promoting fracture healing and treating fracture non-union.
What They Found
The review identified no randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria to assess the effectiveness of HBOT. Consequently, no clinical evidence was found to support or refute HBOT for delayed bony healing or fracture non-union.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Currently, there is no clinical evidence to recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Canadian patients experiencing delayed fracture healing or non-union. Patients should discuss alternative evidence-based treatments with their healthcare providers.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review did not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The primary limitation was the complete absence of eligible randomized controlled trials on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for fracture healing.