Bone health and Hyperbaric Oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen is known to stimulate the production of collagen – a tough, fibrous material that fills the space between broken bones and helps the bones mend back together. Hyperbaric oxygen also promotes fast growth of new capillaries in affected areas (angiogenesis), which in turn brings more oxygen and nutrient to the bones.

For example, in a clinical study analysing radiated tissue, it was shown how low amounts of oxygen prevent the initiation of new blood vessels. After intense hyperbaric oxygen exposure, oxygen gradients are observed to continue to move centrally and are actually eliminated at the periphery where a good blood supply has been formed and wound healing is complete.

In addition, hyperbaric oxygen increases the production of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are vital cells for bone growth, healing, and the removal of old, dead bone. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that osteoblasts and osteoclasts are exquisitely reactive to increased oxygen. Scientists have observed that hyperbaric oxygen stimulates the proliferation of osteoblasts, providing direct cellular evidence that hyperbaric oxygen is effective for fracture healing and bone growth. Hyperbaric oxygen helps with the overall healing process and accelerates healthy bone growth.

Furthermore, hyperbaric oxygen has proven to be beneficial in the treatment of bacterial bone infections such as osteomyelitis, where the infection has entered the bone from infected skin, blood, muscles or tendons. Although the typical treatment for osteomyelitis is a course of antibiotics, this doesn’t always stop the infection.

As a result, the area becomes inflamed which can cause the block of blood vessels. Once the blood vessels are blocked, oxygen can no longer travel to the bone and the tissues begin to die. Bacteria thrive in an oxygen-depleted environment, and because of this, hyperbaric oxygen treatments provide an ideal treatment option.

The added oxygen received during hyperbaric oxygen treatment provides the tissue and bone with the necessary oxygen to promote healing. At the same time, the oxygen-rich environment slows the spread of the bacteria.

A recent bone health study published in 2019 examined hyperbaric oxygen for osteonecrosis. The study summarised that hyperbaric oxygen may lead to more patients achieving complete mucosal coverage of the jawbone than with standard treatment.