Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in low extremity trauma: A case series

INTRODUCTION: Trauma to the extremities is a common major health problem that requires special attention because it can have a dangerous impact on both the viability of the limb and the patient's life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an alternative therapy hypothesized to improve the prognosis in lower extremity trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a series of 7 cases of lower extremity trauma treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: soft tissue loss, neglected chronic burn injury, high-voltage electrical burn, gas gangrene, crush injury, chemical burn, and excoriation with skin loss. DISCUSSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves giving 100% oxygen in a chamber at pressures above atmospheric pressure (2–3 atm absolute [ATA]). It can increase oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues with vascular compromise, cytogenic and vasogenic edema, and cellular hypoxia caused by limb trauma. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has many benefits in lower extremity trauma for wound recovery, preventing complications, and helping patients return to daily activities.