Investigation of the Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients With Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis is a condition that occurs when bone tissue loses sufficient blood flow. This condition causes bone cells to die and, as a result, bone structure to deteriorate. It is commonly seen in joints such as the hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment method used in patients with avascular necrosis. In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients breathe 100% oxygen under high pressure. This treatment can help treat avascular necrosis by increasing oxygen, promoting new blood vessel formation, reducing inflammation, and facilitating cell repair mechanisms.

Avascular necrosis can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. The effects of avascular necrosis on quality of life can be summarized as follows: Avascular necrosis often causes severe pain and limited mobility in the joint areas. These physical symptoms can prevent patients from performing their daily activities, leading to social isolation and a decline in overall quality of life.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on physical capacity, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with avascular necrosis.

Inclusion criteria

• Be over 18 years of age,
• Receive hyperbaric treatment,
• Be diagnosed with avascular necrosis,
• Have stage 1-2 avascular necrosis according to the Ficat classification,
• Be able to understand and speak Turkish,
• Be able to read and write,

Exclusion criteria

• Having undergone orthopedic surgery on the lower extremities,
• Having cardio-respiratory failure that prevents walking,
• Having a disorder related to the musculoskeletal system other than AVN
• Having a diagnosis of avascular necrosis classified as stage 3-4 according to the Ficat classification
• Presence of varicose veins,
• Presence of urinary stress incontinence,
• Presence of systemic or rheumatological disease,
• Pregnancy,
• Refusal to participate in the study.