The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on fracture healing in nicotinized rats.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on fracture healing in nicotinized rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two rats were divided as follows: nicotinized group (1), hyperbaric oxygen group (2), nicotinized + hyperbaric oxygen group (3), and control group (4). For 28 days, nicotine was administered in Groups 1 and 3. Then, a standard shaft fracture was induced in the left femur of rats. Groups 2 and 3 underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, fracture site, left femur and whole body bone mineral content and density were measured.

RESULTS

The radiological and histopathological scores of Group 1 were statistically significantly lower compared to Groups 2, 3 and 4, and there was no statistically significant difference between the Groups 2, 3 and 4. In a comparison between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of bone mineral content and density values measured at the fracture site, left femur and whole body.

CONCLUSION

The negative effects of nicotine on fracture healing are eliminated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but hyperbaric oxygen alone does not cause significant changes in healing (radiologically and histopathologically).