The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on fracture healing in nicotinized rats

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on fracture healing in nicotinized rats. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were divided as follows: nicotinized group (1), hyperbaric oxygen group (2), nicotinized + hyperbaric oxygen group (3), and control group (4). For 28 days, nicotine was administered in Groups 1 and 3. Then, a standard shaft fracture was induced in the left femur of rats. Groups 2 and 3 underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, fracture site, left femur and whole body bone mineral content and density were measured. RESULTS: The radiological and histopathological scores of Group 1 were statistically significantly lower compared to Groups 2, 3 and 4, and there was no statistically significant difference between the Groups 2, 3 and 4. In a comparison between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of bone mineral content and density values measured at the fracture site, left femur and whole body. CONCLUSION: The negative effects of nicotine on fracture healing are eliminated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but hyperbaric oxygen alone does not cause significant changes in healing (radiologically and histopathologically).