Abstract:

Objective: Despite numerous experimental inquiries into the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on peripheral nerve regeneration, clinical studies assessing its effects on peripheral nerve recovery remain limited. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of HBOT following primary nerve repair in patients with upper extremity nerve injuries.

Methods: The study included patients admitted to our hospital between 2015 and 2019 with ulnar and median nerve injuries. Randomized into two groups based on application dates, Group 1 received HBOT following standard epineural nerve repair, while Group 2 underwent only epineural nerve repair. Follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment involved electroneuromyography analysis, assessment of injured nerve-related muscle strength, and a two-point discrimination test.

Results: In Group 1, impulse transmission of injured nerves to the end organ was faster, and ENMG parameters indicated a swifter recovery. Group 1 patients exhibited higher power scores and significantly quicker motor recovery compared to Group 2.

Conclusion: This prospective study on upper extremity injuries highlights the beneficial impact of HBOT on nerve recovery, both clinically and electrophysiologically post-nerve repair. Administering one HBOT session daily for 5 days following surgical treatment demonstrated a potential to reduce morbidity and expedite recovery.

Keywords: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Nerve injury; Nerve recovery; Nerve repair.