Crush injuries and compartment syndrome are acute traumatic ischemias associated with complex wounds following severe physical injury. Ischemia means an inadequate supply of blood to organs and tissues.
Causes of Crush Injuries and Compartment Syndrome
Great weight, severe blows, gunshots, or automobile and other accidents may cause crush injury. Complications include infections, nonhealing bone fractures, and amputation.
Compartment syndrome results when pressure builds within the body after injury, surgery, or muscle strain. Nerve damage or muscle death may result.
Treatment of Traumatic Ischemias with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is emerging as a promising treatment for crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias. HBOT improves the circulation of oxygenated blood to wounds to help fight infection, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
HyperbaricLink Evidence Index for Traumatic Ischemias
The HyperbaricLink Evidence Index is our at-a-glance summary of the clinical evidence on HBOT for the treatment of specific diseases and conditions. Scoring is based solely on our reading and interpretation of the medical literature.
- Disproved - Strong evidence against using HBOT.
- None - Unfavorable results or no published evidence.
- Scant - Early or mixed results with lingering questions.
- Promising - Repeatedly favorable results urging further study.
- Compelling - Strong body of evidence meriting approval.
- Approved - HBOT indicated and widely reimbursed.
Follow the links to our primary sources to read the papers and analyses that have shaped our views. PubMed.gov lists most all scientific papers published in reputable medical journals. HBOEvidence.com critically appraises key studies in the hyperbaric medical literature. ClinicalTrials.gov lists human clinical trials currently enrolling, in progress, and recently completed.
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