Abstract

MORALES CUDELLO, Solerme et al. Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.. Rev Cubana Ortop Traumatol [online]. 2003, vol.17, n.1-2, pp. 47-52. ISSN 1561-3100.

Bearing in mind that Legg-Calvé-Perthes is an ischemic bone process and that oxygen is required for bone viability, cicatrization, and remodelling, it was determined to use hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of the disease to shorten time of natural development of the disease, to avoid surgery and other complications. From the clinical, imaging and scintigraphic viewpoints, 210 patients aged 6 years as an average were studied. Thirty five hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions distributed into 3 cycles of 15, 10 and 10 sessions were administered at 7 week intervals, with 2 absolute atmosphere pressure and 50min isopressure time in a single chamber. Healing time was under 24 months in 92 % of patients, 24 to 36 months in 5 % whereas 3 % did not recover after 36 months and the use of supplementary cycles. It was underlined that 87 % of patients classified in Catteral III-IV recovered in less than 24 months and all those classified in Catteral I-II recovered, except for one who did after that period of time. There was neither complication nor relapse. In general, 87 % of the treated patients recovered. It was concluded that this therapy substantially shortens the normal development time of the disease, leaves no sequel and avoids surgery, all of which results in economic, psychical and social benefits for the patients and their relatives.

Keywords : LEGG-PERTHES DISEASE [therapy]; HYPERBARIC OXYGENATION.