Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Refractory Osteomyelitis
Chronic bone infection that persists despite antibiotics and surgery. HBOT is a UHMS-approved adjunct.
Typical Protocol
How HBOT Helps
Hyperbaric oxygen restores oxygen-dependent neutrophil killing in infected bone, boosts certain antibiotics, and supports the healing of the surrounding compromised tissue.
What to Know
Adjunctive to surgical debridement and culture-directed antibiotics, typically for refractory (Cierny-Mader) cases.
Review the primary literature on PubMed →Centers Treating Refractory Osteomyelitis
105 centers in our directory report treating this condition. 31 are UHMS-accredited (shown first).
Showing 60 of 105. Browse all by location.
Before You Book — What to Verify
- Chamber type: approved indications need a clinical hard-shell chamber (2.0–3.0 ATA), not a mild soft-shell unit.
- Whether a hyperbaric-trained physician supervises treatment.
- Insurance coverage and pre-authorization for this indication.
- UHMS accreditation status of the facility.
- That the recommended pressure and session count match the protocol above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HBOT FDA/UHMS-approved for Osteomyelitis?
Yes. Refractory Osteomyelitis is one of the indications approved by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for it is generally eligible for insurance coverage when criteria are met.
What pressure and how many sessions does Osteomyelitis typically need?
Standard-of-care protocols typically run at 2.0–2.4 ATA for about 20–40 sessions. Your physician sets the exact protocol based on your case.
How does hyperbaric oxygen help with Osteomyelitis?
Hyperbaric oxygen restores oxygen-dependent neutrophil killing in infected bone, boosts certain antibiotics, and supports the healing of the surrounding compromised tissue.
How many directory centers list Osteomyelitis?
105 centers in our directory report treating Osteomyelitis, of which 31 are UHMS-accredited. Always confirm directly with the center.
Other Conditions
Educational information, not medical advice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy decisions — especially for emergencies and the conditions above — must be made with a qualified physician. Approved-indication status follows the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society Committee Report; protocols are typical ranges, not prescriptions.