Pressure and bed sore.
Very
common complication in people confined to bed rest or wheelchair. The
wound is caused by
continuous pressure on
the skin over bony prominence due to prolonged immobilization in one
position.
Pressure on the skin impairs circulation leading to ulcer and enhances
bacterial overgrowth (normal skin flora and other anaerobic and aerobic
microorganisms), inhibiting leukocyte function (killing bacteria) and
synthesis of collagen (protein needed for wound to close) Inflammation
causes toxic substances to accumulate in the tissue (ammonia and
lactate) leading to edema, which is in turn impairing blood supply.
The major symptom is pain that is caused by infection and inflammation.
When infection spreads in deeper layers, osteomyelitis – a bone
infection can develop.
Clinical application of HBO
HBO is proven very successful adjunctive treatment to daily wound
dressing, administration of antibiotics and surgical debridment (if
necessary).
- Stopping further tissue damage and providing immediate high
oxygen supply for tissue in demand
- Promoting new tissue to growth
- Improving infection control
- Enhancing immune systems response
- Increasing the effect of antibiotics
- Reducing swelling caused by inflammation
- Increasing the bone recovery
- Preparing tissue to accept skin grafts if necessary
