Its use is based upon a number of mechanisms and serves to limit tissue necrosis. While not proposed as a replacement for surgical decompression in severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen has been used effectively in intermediate settings and in other acute ischemias in order to preserve marginally perfused tissue. Crush injury is a diffuse traumatic injury involving two or more tissues with a gradient of injury and compromised blood supply. The primary insult is tissue ischemia and cellular hypoxia. Secondary effects of vasodilation at the preinjury level lead to increased edema and further vascular compromise, thus compromising the tissues ability to handle infections.
Optimal response is evident if treatment is initiated within six hours of injury.
Results are variable and are dependent on time to intervention. Increases oxygen tension leading to greater capillary oxygen diffusion distances. Produces a vasoconstriction that reduces edema formation. Has an indirect effect of leukocyte enhancement and increased wound healing. Decreases neutrophile adhesion in the ischemic-reperfused tissue.