Introduction: The treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) is based on invasive (e.g., core decompression) and non-invasive methods (e.g., hyperbaric oxygen therapy – HBO2). The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of HBO2 on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with AVNFH. Methods: This was a prospective observational non-controlled study of patients with AVNFH treated by HBO2. It was conducted, with the use of Steinberg scale, on 73 patients with AVNFH Stage I or II who were treated with HBO2. Patients’ QoL was assessed with EuroQol-5D-5L (EQ), Harris Hip Score (mHHS), MAHORN (MHOT), and VAS, in three different phases: before HBO2; after the completion of the first phase (20 HBO2 sessions, up to two months); and after the completion of the second phase (20 HBO2 sessions, up to two months after the first phase). A reassessment was made on the completion of each phase. Ratings were also made after the completion of each phase, over the first five months of follow-up. Results: All 73 patients (67.1% males, 32.9% females, mean age: 40.34, SD ± 9.99) participated in the study. Steinberg scale, mean EQ (F (1, 57) = 25.18, η2 = .306 and F (1, 43) = 43.402, η2 = .502); mHHS (F (1, 61) = 67.13, η2 = .524) and F (1, 43) = 31.84, η2 = .425); MHOT (F (1, 61) = 11.68, η2 = .161) and F (1, 43) = 98.01, η2 = .695); and VAS (F (1, 53) = 24.11, η2 = .313) and F (1, 39) = 45.61, η2 = .539), improved between the first and second measurements and between the second and third measurement accordingly (p < .01). Conclusions: HBO2 treatment does not induce alteration of quality of life and is well tolerated and accepted by patients.
Evaluation of Short Term Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen and Enoxaparin Treatments in Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head
