Examples of Enhancing Treatment & Care with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Severe Degloving Wound

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Written By Donna Stuart

This patient was backed over by a car in a driveway. A massive, purulent degloving wound resulted, along with fracture/luxation of the tail and a pelvic fracture. The perianal and preputial skin remained attached and intact. The only surgery performed was plating of the pelvic fracture, and concurrent tail amputation. No wound debridement, grafts, or flaps were ever performed. Hydrotherapy and antibiotics were given along with adjunctive HBOT. 

Left: Pre-HBOT (Admission). Right: 2 1/2 months later

HBOT Treatment Dates 

  • April 2: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • April 4-8: 2 treatments daily @ 2 ATA 

  • April 11 -30 - 2 treatments daily @ 2 ATA 

  • May 3-5: 2 treatments daily @ 2 ATA 

  • May 7: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • May 10-12: 2 treatments daily @ 2 ATA 

  • May 14: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • May 17-19: 2 treatments daily @ 2 ATA 

  • May 21: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • May 24: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • May 26: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • May 28: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • June 1: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • June 3: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • June 10: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • June 17: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

  • June 24: 2 treatments @ 2 ATA 

HBOT triggers the onset of signal transduction pathways regulating the gene expression of growth factors or their receptors, such as platelet-derived growth factor. This results in up regulation of natural wound healing cascades. (Reference: Bonomo, SR, et al, “Hyperbaric oxygen as a signal transducer: up regulation of platelet derived growth factor-beta receptor in the presence of HBO and PDGF”. Undersea Hyper Med 25:211-216, 1998). 

 © RKLyman, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 

Donna Stuart
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