Woman in Atlanta with osteomyelitis due to compromised immune system in hyperbaric chamber.

Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis

Bone Infections
Recover Your Optimal Health and Prevent Issues from Bone Infections with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Metro Atlanta

What is Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis?

Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis (CROM) is a severe bone infection that has not responded to standard treatment methods, including antibiotics and surgical debridement. Bone infections are notoriously difficult to treat due to the limited blood supply in bone tissue, which hampers the effectiveness of antibiotics. When bone infections persist despite a six-week course of antibiotics and surgery, they are categorized as chronic refractory osteomyelitis.

This condition can affect individuals of all ages but is more commonly seen in patients with compromised immune systems or other underlying health conditions such as diabetes. CROM can occur in various parts of the body, with the most common sites being long bones following trauma or in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

At Regenerative & Hyperbaric Medicine, we provide effective and lasting CROM treatment and help patients avoid complications such as chronic pain, disability, and, in severe cases, amputation.

How Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Bone Infections?

When an infection involves high-risk areas like the spine, skull, or sternum, or when the infection hasn't improved after six weeks of treatment, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) serves as a crucial adjunctive therapy.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, significantly increasing oxygen levels in the blood and tissues. This enhanced oxygen delivery is critical in healing bone infections, particularly when the blood supply to the affected bone is compromised, as is often the case in CROM. By increasing the amount of oxygen available to the infected area, HBOT accelerates tissue repair, enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics, and stimulates the body's natural healing processes. Furthermore, it helps promote the growth of new blood vessels, which is essential for overcoming infection and supporting tissue regeneration.
Hyperbaric oxygen chambers for traumatic brain injury, concussion treatment in Atlanta

One of the most common presentations of CROM occurs in long bones following trauma and in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), where about 20% of patients referred to wound centers will develop osteomyelitis. In these cases, if patients do not respond to a standard course of antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridement (if feasible), they should be considered for adjunctive HBOT. As part of a multi-disciplinary treatment plan, HBOT plays a crucial role in improving healing rates and preventing complications like amputation or further tissue damage.

Our HBOT offers a promising solution for patients with CROM, especially in critical areas or when standard treatments fail. It enhances oxygenation, reduces infection, and fosters tissue repair, ultimately supporting a more effective and comprehensive recovery.

Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Bone Infections

Our Metro Atlanta hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic refractory osteomyelitis and other bone infections offers several advantages, including:
Enhanced Antibiotic Effectiveness
HBOT helps antibiotics penetrate bone tissue more effectively, improving their ability to combat the infection.
Promotion of New Blood Vessel Growth
This is vital for healing, especially in areas with poor blood circulation.
Reduction of Inflammation
HBOT can reduce the swelling and inflammation that often accompany bone infections.
Increased Oxygenation
Oxygen is essential for cellular repair and regeneration, making HBOT a key therapy in accelerating the healing process.
Boosted Immune Function
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can stimulate the immune system, aiding in the fight against infection.
Pain Relief
Many patients experience reduced pain as oxygen helps restore normal tissue function.

What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Bone Infections

When you undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy session for chronic refractory osteomyelitis in Metro Atlanta, the process involves the following steps:

1
Consultation and Assessment
Our experienced medical team will assess your condition to determine if HBOT is right for you. A detailed evaluation of your medical history and current health status will be conducted.
2
Treatment Session
During each treatment session, you'll be placed inside a specialized hyperbaric chamber. You’ll breathe pure oxygen while the pressure inside the chamber is increased, which allows oxygen to dissolve into your bloodstream and tissues. Sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes.
3
Frequency of Treatment
Most patients will require multiple sessions to see significant improvement. The number of treatments needed will vary based on the severity of the infection and your individual healing response.
4
Post-Treatment Recovery
After your HBOT session, you’ll be monitored to ensure there are no adverse effects. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and the increased oxygen levels will begin to promote healing and tissue regeneration.

Research and Studies on Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Bone Infections

These peer-reviewed and clinically proven studies demonstrate long-term outcomes supporting the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic refractory osteomyelitis:

  • Role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of bacterial spinal osteomyelitis

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of chronic refractory osteomyelitis

  • Oxygen tensions and infections: modulation of microbial growth, activity of antimicrobial agents, and immunologic responses

  • Results of chronic osteomyelitis of the femur treated with hyperbaric oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy research on bone infections effectiveness in Atlanta

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis: FAQs

How long does it take to see results from HBOT for osteomyelitis?
Can HBOT completely eliminate the need for surgery in CROM patients?
How do I know if I need HBOT for osteomyelitis?
Woman in metro Atlanta seeking advanced treatment for chronic bone infections, healing.

Discover Lasting Healing for Bone Infections in Metro Atlanta

If you’re seeking advanced treatment for chronic refractory osteomyelitis in Metro Atlanta, Regenerative & Hyperbaric Medicine is here to help. Under the expert guidance of Dr. David Schwegman, our clinic provides cutting-edge solutions for bone infections that don’t respond to traditional therapies. We specialize in hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic bone infections, including osteomyelitis and osteoradionecrosis. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.

We offer the best clinic for osteoradionecrosis treatment in Metro Atlanta, as well as hyperbaric therapy for radiation-induced bone damage. Whether you're dealing with CROM or osteoradionecrosis, our advanced treatments, combined with compassionate care, will help you regain your quality of life.

Contact us today to learn more about how our hyperbaric oxygen therapy for osteomyelitis can accelerate your recovery. Let us guide you toward lasting healing and pain-free living.