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Hi! We have a maxillofacial surgeon's office that regularly sees patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. They rarely start off with IV antibiotic treatment. The usual coarse is management with PO antibiotics, and continue conservatively as long as possible until surgery is needed. They might possibly get IV antibiotics down the line. The surgeon would like to use HBOT to aid in healing.

Can we cover these patients in some way, despite not receiving radiation?
Nov 15, 2024 by Sarah Karson, RN, BSN
1 replies
Jeff Mize
RRT, CHT, UHMSADS

Sarah,

Thank you for your question. Based on the information provided, it seems that there is no indication for treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be beneficial for osteoradionecrosis, particularly when delayed radiation complications result in non-healing wounds in areas that have previously received radiation. These complications are often triggered by an additional insult, such as surgery or trauma, within the irradiated field. However, since the patient has not received any radiation therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy would not be indicated in this case.

I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any additional thoughts or questions.


Jeff

Nov 15, 2024
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