Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis: a review of its use and efficacy.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is an established technology that is proving to be effective in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis. However, the studies that have shown this treatment modality to be effective have not established the optimum pressures, times of exposure, and frequency and number of treatment necessary for healing. In addition, most of the studies used HBO as an adjunctive treatment in the management of refractory osteoradionecrosis. The efficacy of HBO as a primary treatment modality has not as yet been established. Strictly controlled clinical trials are necessary for identification of patients who are likely to respond to HBO without aggressive surgery, to delineate a timetable for treatment of patients with HBO, and to coordinate surgery with HBO to resolve osteoradionecrosis when a significant amount of bone loss is involved.