Fundamentals of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is an adjunctive treatment used for wound healing. HBO treatments are given by increasing the atmospheric pressure in a chamber while the patient is breathing 100% oxygen. Many orthopaedic disease entities can benefit from HBO therapy. For the orthopaedic nurse to recognize potential HBO patients, a basic understanding of HBO therapy is necessary. Knowledge of diseases that can be treated with HBO, the side effects of HBO, and educating a patient for HBO therapy are all important aspects of hyperbaric therapy.