Hyperbaric oxygenation versus normal oral care for bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis

1. 32 of 70 planned subjects have been interviewed, but only 7 have entered the study.
2. Recruitment seems to be improving over time

Citation/s:
1. Freiberger JJ, Padilla-Burgos R. Update on the Duke randomised controlled trial of hyperbaric oxygen for osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients who have taken bisphosphonates. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 2007;34(4):241
Lead author's name and fax: Jake Freiberger, Duke University

Three-part Clinical Question: For a patient with bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the mandible, does the application of hyperbaric oxygen, compared to normal oral care, result in any improvement in the size or number of lesions?
Search Terms: osteonecrosis, bisphosphonates

The Study:
Non-blinded randomised controlled trial.
The Study Patients: Adult patients with established osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)
Control group (N = ; analysed): Normal oral care
Experimental group (N = ; analysed): Normal care plus HBOT for 40 sessions over a four week period

Comments:
1. Abstract only and no data yet presented.
2. Many authorities recommend against HBOT for this condition, so this study may be very important for future clinical practice
3. Lack of blinding with sham therapy may be a future criticism

Appraised by: Mike Bennett, Sydney ; Thursday, 6 December 2007
Email: m.bennett@unsw.edu.au
Kill or Update By: December 2008