Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of open fractures and crush injuries.

This article focuses on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOt) in the treatment of open fractures and crush injuries. Based on the clinical evidence and cost analysis, medical institutions that treat open fracture and crush injuries are justified in incorporating HBOt as a standard of care. Both Medicare and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society guidelines list crush injuries as an approved indication for HBOt. Emergency physicians should familiarize themselves with this emerging treatment modality because of their role in the early management of these injuries.