Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis Treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
When a bone infection persists despite surgery and antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers an evidence-based treatment that can help your body fight the infection from the inside out.
Understanding Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. It can develop after a fracture, surgery, or from an infection that spreads through the bloodstream. When the infection does not respond to standard treatment — typically antibiotics and surgical debridement — it is classified as chronic refractory osteomyelitis.
Bone tissue has limited blood supply compared to soft tissue, which makes it harder for your immune system and antibiotics to reach the infection deep within the bone. This is why some bone infections persist even after months of treatment.
Chronic refractory osteomyelitis can cause ongoing pain, drainage, and recurring fevers. Left untreated, it may lead to bone destruction and further complications.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in your blood, delivering it deep into bone tissue where circulation is often compromised. This elevated oxygen level has several therapeutic effects recognized by the UHMS.
High oxygen concentrations enhance the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria. HBOT also improves the effectiveness of certain antibiotics, particularly aminoglycosides, which require oxygen to work properly. Additionally, the increased oxygen stimulates the formation of new blood vessels in the affected bone, improving long-term blood supply and supporting the body's natural healing process.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment sessions last approximately 90 minutes at pressure. You breathe pure oxygen inside a clear Sechrist chamber while our clinical team monitors you throughout. The experience is comfortable and non-invasive.
A typical course for chronic osteomyelitis involves 20 to 40 HBOT sessions, often used alongside continued antibiotic therapy and any necessary surgical management. Your treatment plan is personalized by our physician and coordinated with your referring provider.
Insurance & Coverage
HBOT for chronic refractory osteomyelitis is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans when medically necessary. Our team handles insurance verification and prior authorization so you can focus on healing.
Our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on healing. We will verify your benefits, obtain any required prior authorizations, and keep you informed every step of the way.