Podiatry

Scottsdale Hyperbaric Center provides HBOT as an adjunctive treatment for select podiatric conditions where tissue hypoxia, poor perfusion, or chronic infection impairs healing. HBOT is FDA- and Medicare-approved for:

• Diabetic foot ulcers (typically Wagner grade 3 or higher)

• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis

• Compromised grafts and flaps

• Acute peripheral ischemia or crush injuries

HBOT may also be considered for severe soft tissue infections, gangrene, or post-surgical wounds when tissue oxygenation is impaired.

Clinical Considerations in Podiatry

Patients with podiatric wounds often have comorbidities such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or prior radiation therapy, which can impair oxygen delivery and wound healing. Surgical or traumatic injuries can lead to:

• Tissue hypoxia and ischemia

• Delayed wound closure

• Infection and necrosis

• Risk of partial or complete tissue loss

HBOT can be considered in these high-risk scenarios as an adjunctive therapy to standard care.

Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT involves the administration of 100% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, increasing plasma oxygen content and enhancing delivery to hypoxic tissues. Clinically relevant effects include:

• Supporting oxygenation in ischemic or poorly perfused tissue

• Adjunctive support in chronic wounds or refractory infections

• Support for compromised grafts, flaps, and post-surgical tissue

• Adjunctive management of tissue at risk due to vascular insufficiency

Treatment protocols follow UHMS guidelines and are individualized based on patient assessment.

Common Podiatric Scenarios for Referral

• Diabetic foot ulcers (Wagner grade 3+) – Non-healing ulcers despite standard wound care

• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis – Adjunct to antibiotics for persistent bone infection

• Acute peripheral arterial insufficiency or thrombosis – Tissue at risk for ischemia

• Acute crush injury – Adjunctive therapy to improve tissue survival in severely injured limbs

• Gangrene or severe soft tissue necrosis – Support for tissue oxygenation in high-risk extremities