The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in crush injuries.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been approved for primary or adjunctive care in 14 indications. A hyperbaric environment exists when a patient's whole body is physically exposed to 100% oxygen and pressure that is greater than one atmosphere absolute. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works through the ideal gas laws and is effective as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of crush injuries. Oxygen is considered a drug and can have contraindications and adverse effects. Hyperbaric therapy works through several different mechanisms in the crush injury. Effects of hyperoxygenation, reduction of edema, infection control enhancement, blood vessel and collagen formation, and reduction of free radicals and reperfusion injury help in healing in patient with crush injuries.