What should you know about hyperbaric oxygen osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is an infection involving bone. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment takes place in a pressurised chamber while you breathe oxygen under supervision. The increased pressure changes how oxygen is carried in the blood and may help clinicians support tissue recovery in selected situations.

It does not replace antibiotics, drainage, removal of infected tissue or stabilisation when those are needed. The infectious-disease, orthopaedic and hyperbaric teams decide whether it is suitable after considering the infection's location and duration, blood flow, wounds, previous treatment and general health. Bone Grafting may be discussed later in some reconstruction plans, but it is a separate procedure.

Tell the hyperbaric team about lung disease, ear or sinus problems, seizures, diabetes, pregnancy, implanted devices, medicines and any difficulty clearing your ears. Explain whether you smoke or use nicotine, and follow the centre's rules about clothing, electronics, food and skin products. You will be shown how to equalise pressure and how to communicate during the session.

Continue prescribed antibiotics and wound care exactly as directed. Keep scheduled reviews even if pain improves, because infection can persist beneath a wound. Report new drainage, increasing pain or changes in sensation rather than waiting for the next chamber appointment.

Seek urgent medical care for confusion, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, rapidly spreading redness, or a limb that becomes suddenly cold, pale, numb or weak. Contact your treatment team promptly for fever, chills, worsening bone or wound pain, new drainage or reduced movement. These signs may indicate that infection or another complication needs immediate reassessment.

Ask what evidence of bone infection supports the plan, which treatments will continue alongside the chamber sessions, how ear and lung risks will be checked, and what symptoms should stop a session. Clarify who coordinates antibiotics, wound care and any future surgery.