Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Bone Fractures
What is a Bone Fracture?
A bone fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Some fractures are simple and heal well with standard care. Others are more complex, such as when the bone is broken in several places, when there is damage to the surrounding soft tissues, or when the blood supply to the area has been affected.
This can lead to a more complicated recovery, with healing taking longer or the bone not healing as expected. This is sometimes called delayed union or non-union..
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing high-concentration oxygen through a mask in a pressurised chamber.
This allows more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach tissues with reduced blood supply.
Oxygen plays a key role in many normal processes within the body, including healing and recovery. By increasing oxygen availability, HBOT can support tissue repair, collagen production, new blood vessel formation, and the body’s immune responses that help manage infection.
By reducing substances in the body that drive inflammation (inflammatory cytokines), HBOT may also help to ease swelling and discomfort.
HBOT is always used in addition to standard medical treatment, not as a replacement.
When HBOT May Be Considered for Bone Fractures
HBOT is sometimes considered as part of a wider care plan for certain fractures, particularly where:
Healing is slow despite appropriate standard care
There is damage to nearby soft tissue
There is reduced blood supply or tissue oxygenation
The fracture is linked with a crush injury, compartment syndrome, or acute traumatic ischaemia
By increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, HBOT may help support tissue repair.
Research on HBOT for Bone Fractures
The evidence for HBOT in bone fracture healing is developing. Poor healing may be more likely if the oxygen supply is already reduced, such as in smokers, older adults, or those with underlying health conditions. While fractures are not a separate FDA-approved indication, there is emerging clinical evidence that HBOT may support healing in delayed or non-union fractures (fractures that are not healing as expected).
The European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine recognises HBOT as a supportive treatment for some trauma-related conditions that may involve fractures. This includes crush injuries, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischaemias. In these situations, HBOT is used to support oxygen delivery, reduce swelling, and help protect injured tissues alongside standard trauma care.
HBOT may therefore be considered on a case-by-case basis where a fracture is complex, slow to heal, or linked to significant soft tissue injury.
OxyGeneration provides HBOT in a calm clinical environment, delivered by a trained and experienced team.
Some clients are referred by a healthcare professional, but self-referral is also welcomed. All clients complete a screening questionnaire to check suitability. In some situations, we may ask clients to confirm suitability with their GP or medical specialist before proceeding.
For bone fractures, a course of 20-40 sessions is typical, although the number recommended will depend on individual circumstances and response to treatment.
OxyGeneration does not provide emergency medical treatment. We do not diagnose or manage medical conditions, and HBOT is not a replacement for standard medical care. Clients remain under the supervision of their GP or consultant for the management of their condition. As with all treatments, outcomes can vary from person to person.
If you would like to find out more about HBOT and whether it might be appropriate for you, please contact our team for more information.
What to Expect at OxyGeneration
Important Information
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not suitable for everyone.
Please visit our Suitability page for further information.
Testimonial
“I did six sessions over a two-week period in OxyGeneration to help speed up recovery of three separate bone fractures. My pain level noticeably reduced soon after each session. Three weeks after fractures occurring my pain is very minimal and feel that the HBOT sessions have progressed my recovery.”
— Craig
Do You Have Any Questions?
For more information or support, please contact OxyGeneration at 091 394444.
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