Osteomyelitis (Refractory)

Refractory Osteomyelitis refers to a bone or bone marrow infection that is not responding to conventional treatment (antibiotics.) Certain bones in the body, including the jaw bone, the spine and the long bones of the limbs are susceptible to infection due to the limited blood supply. With the rise of antibiotic resistant microbes, it is imperative that alternatives to antibiotics be considered. Depending on the location of the infection and the severity, significant pain and disability can result. Infections can arise from injuries, surgeries, infections in other parts of the body or teeth with root canals.

The Rationale for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

A Horse with Osteomeylitis
Refractory Osteomyelitis is an Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) approved condition. HBOT has been scientifically proven to:

Biofilms in Osteomyelitis

It has been reported by Wolcott et al. that osteomyelitis has a biofilm component. Biofilm is a form that multi-kingdom bacteria can take in the body, that are strongly antibiotic and immune resistant. It is believed that the chronicity of many infections can be attributed to this bacterial form. HBOT has been shown to be a effective potentiator of antibiotics in many biofilm infections, it remains to be seen if HBOT has a direct anti-biofilm effect. For more information visit our biofilm page. 

Scientific Resources