Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in bone marrow edemas of the knee: A retrospective study

Abstract

Bone marrow edema (BME) is a self-limiting syndrome that can be caused by many pathological conditions. The most frequently seen symptom of BME is pain. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an available treatment. This study aims to present the clinical results of quantitatively evaluating the use of HBOT. We evaluated all BME patients 18 to 65 years old without osteoarthritis, inflammatory rheumatological disease, or malignancy diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging. All were treated with acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg daily) and bisphosphonates (70 mg alendronate once a week) and were instructed to avoid weight-bearing activities. Some of the patients also received HBOT. We divided the patients into 2 groups: 1 group took HBOT; the other did not. We used the Wilcoxon test to compare groups. HBOT is an effective treatment option for BME. We quantitatively measured faster healing when HBOT was used for BME of the knee. There were no significant side effects.

Bone marrow edema of the knee: a narrative review

“…Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is also a safe and non-invasive option [ 41 ]. The procedure relies on the exposure to high levels of oxygen which raises hemoglobin saturation and improves oxygen transport to the tissues [ 42 ].…”

“…The procedure relies on the exposure to high levels of oxygen which raises hemoglobin saturation and improves oxygen transport to the tissues [ 42 ]. HBO showed promising results in pain management and return to movement when administered once a day, 5 days a week for 1 month in association with acetylsalicylic acid and bisphosphonates [ 41 ].…”