Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its role in Podiatry

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its role in Podiatry

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?

HBOT is the use of oxygen in a highly pressurized room. It is used for many different medical applications. HBOT therapy is performed in a hospital setting; it consists of a patient being placed in a chamber for a few hours where 100% oxygen is being delivered. Approximately 30 sessions are required for treatment, with treatment being 5 days a week. Each treatment lasts up to about 2 hours.

What does HBOT therapy work and what can be treated with HBOT?

HBOT works by increasing oxygen, which in fact increasing the capability of oxygen to be transported in the blood. This in term stimulates growth factors and stem cells to the area being treated, which promote healing.  This allows healing of many different alignments. Initially, HBOT was used to treat decompression sickness, which related to injury during scuba diving. With time and research it has been known to treat many other alignments. In relation to the foot and ankle: diabetic wounds that have a bone infection, gangrene, failed skin flaps, crush or traumatic injuries are examples of what can be treated with HBOT.

What is required to be approved to undergo HBOT?

Medical clearance is required before undergoing HBOT therapy. Your physician will require you to have an EKG, chest x-ray and a physical exam. There is a number of contraindication to HBOT. Patients with cardiac problems, COPD, fever, cancer or middle ear issues are not able to undergo HBOT therapy.

How is HBOT used with other treatments?

Many times HBOT will be used concomitantly with other treatment modalities. For example, if a patient has an infected diabetic wound and bone infection this patient can be treated with HBOT. In addition, this patient will be managed by a wound care specialist to treat the wound, an Infectious Disease specialist to treat the patient with antibiotics and their Primary Care Physician who will be managing their overall care. HBOT in the world of Podiatry is one application to help treat a wide variety of medical conditions.

For more information please visit our website at www.footnj.com and visit Shore Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen’s website at

http://shoremedicalcenter.org/departments/wound_care