Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for fibular closure-type fractures?
Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident on January 19, 2019, which resulted in a closed fibula fracture near the ankle joint that appeared to be slightly displaced.
Initially, I was placed in a cast, but after returning home that day, a physical therapist privately manipulated my leg to realign the bone.
Five days later, I went to another hospital for an X-ray, which showed good results, and the doctor advised me to keep it immobilized for three months.
Recently, I came across reports about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, where a student with a similar closed fibula fracture underwent ten sessions of half-hour hyperbaric oxygen treatments and was able to quickly resume training after a month.
I am wondering if I could also benefit from self-funded hyperbaric oxygen therapy and potentially recover to walk like a normal person by March.
Even a one or two-week acceleration in recovery would be appreciated.
I have read several papers on the subject and understand that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally not indicated for my type of case, but given my weight of over 100 kg and the fact that I will soon be studying abroad, I am currently in a state of disability and rely on my parents for care, which makes me quite anxious...
Zarek, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/31
Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics
Hello, current medical literature indicates that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can accelerate the reduction of swelling in the affected limb, but it does not speed up fracture healing.
Reply Date: 2019/01/31
More Info
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has gained attention in recent years for its potential benefits in various medical conditions, including certain types of fractures. However, its application in the context of fibula fractures, particularly closed fractures, is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.
To begin with, it's important to understand what HBOT entails. This therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. The mechanism behind this is that increased oxygen levels can stimulate the production of growth factors and stem cells, which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration.
In your case, you experienced a closed fibula fracture near the ankle. The initial treatment involved immobilization with a cast, which is standard practice for such injuries. The subsequent manipulation by a physical therapist to realign the bone is less conventional and should ideally be performed by a qualified orthopedic surgeon to ensure proper healing and alignment.
Regarding the use of HBOT for your specific injury, current medical literature suggests that while HBOT can be beneficial in certain scenarios—such as non-healing wounds, osteomyelitis, and radiation injuries—its effectiveness in accelerating the healing of closed fractures is not well established. Some studies indicate that HBOT may help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, which could theoretically aid in the healing process. However, there is limited evidence to support the claim that it significantly speeds up the healing of fractures compared to standard treatment protocols.
The case you mentioned about an athlete recovering quickly after HBOT may not be directly applicable to your situation. Athletes often have different healing dynamics due to their overall health, fitness levels, and the nature of their injuries. Moreover, the protocols followed in clinical studies can vary widely, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
As for your desire to return to walking by March, it's essential to follow your orthopedic surgeon's advice regarding the healing timeline. Generally, fibula fractures can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to heal, depending on various factors such as the fracture's location, your age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. While some patients may begin weight-bearing activities sooner, it is crucial to ensure that the bone has adequately healed to prevent complications such as refracture or malunion.
If you are considering HBOT, it is advisable to discuss this with your orthopedic surgeon. They can provide guidance based on your specific injury and overall health status. Additionally, they may recommend other rehabilitation strategies, such as physical therapy, to help you regain strength and mobility in your ankle.
In conclusion, while HBOT may offer some benefits, it is not a guaranteed solution for accelerating fibula fracture healing. Adhering to your doctor's recommendations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in appropriate rehabilitation exercises will be the most effective approach to ensure a successful recovery. Your urgency to regain independence is understandable, but prioritizing safe and effective healing should be your primary focus.
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