Does hyperbaric oxygen have a role in the management of osteoradionecrosis?

A retrospective study of 12 episodes of osteoradionecrosis treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in 11 patients was carried out. The cases had been previously treated by more conventional methods including surgery, unsuccessfully. All the cases treated by HBO had a successful outcome, although 83% of the patients required concomitant surgery to remove necrotic bone. The costs and contra-indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy are discussed.