What it is
Osteomyelitis is infection inside bone. When it persists or returns despite surgery and long antibiotic courses, it's called refractory — and it's notoriously stubborn, because infected bone loses its blood supply and becomes a fortress antibiotics can't enter.
How hyperbaric oxygen helps
Oxygen changes the battlefield. It penetrates poorly-perfused bone by diffusion, restores the oxygen-dependent killing power of white blood cells, stimulates new blood vessel growth into dead zones, activates bone-remodeling cells, and enhances several antibiotics. The combination turns a stalemate into a winnable fight.
What treatment looks like
A committed course: typically 20–40 daily sessions at 2.0–2.5 ATA, coordinated with orthopedic surgery and infectious disease management.
- FDA-recognized and Medicare-covered for refractory cases.
- Best results when combined with definitive surgical care.
- We report progress to your surgeon throughout.
The evidence, honestly
Grade A — Strong Evidence
Supported by randomized trials and/or decades of consistent clinical results.
Our structured research library — with every study linked from this page — arrives with the next site update. Ask us for the citations any time in the meantime.
Educational content, not medical advice — see our medical disclaimer. *Medicare coverage requires meeting clinical criteria; we verify yours for free. Last medically reviewed July 2026 by Dr. David Greene, MD.