Tissue viability
Clinical assessment follows the condition of skin, muscle, and other injured tissue.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic ischemia & crush injury
A new crush injury, a cold or pale limb, rapidly worsening swelling, or severe pain requires emergency care. Call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Traumatic ischemia & crush injury research & care · Scottsdale & Glendale, AZ
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic ischemia & crush injury
After a severe limb injury, protecting threatened tissue requires rapid trauma care and a coordinated surgical plan.
RX-O2 offers a physician-led conversation about the evidence, your diagnosis, and the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in your broader care plan. Our Scottsdale and Glendale teams serve patients across the Phoenix area.
A randomized trial reported less tissue necrosis and fewer later complications with adjunctive HBOT in severe lower-limb injury. Selected patients may benefit when treatment is integrated with timely trauma care. Explore the evidence below.
Physician-led care in Scottsdale and Glendale, serving the Phoenix area.
Physician-ledIndividual assessment and treatment planning
FDA-cleared chambersMedical hard-shell hyperbaric equipment
100% medical oxygenDelivered through a mask or hood
NHSA-certified techniciansPreparation, monitoring, and communication
The starting point
Tissue protection starts with emergency treatment
Crush injury and traumatic ischemia can compromise blood supply and oxygen delivery to injured tissue. Fractures, vascular damage, and compartment syndrome may require urgent procedures.
HBOT can be considered as an adjunct while the trauma team manages circulation, stabilization, wound care, and rehabilitation. It cannot replace surgery to restore blood flow or relieve dangerous pressure.
The clinical context matters. Never delay emergency assessment, revascularization, or indicated fasciotomy for an HBOT appointment. The trauma team should direct any urgent hyperbaric referral.
Connect the research to your goals
What matters in daily life?
Healing and complications
Relevant outcomes include necrosis, infection, delayed union, and further procedures.
Longer-term function
Recovery planning also considers mobility, daily function, and rehabilitation.
Your goals help shape the conversation and provide a useful way to follow progress if treatment is prescribed.
Explore the evidence
Traumatic ischemia & crush injury & HBOT research
Explore the findings behind the conversation. These selected publications highlight reported benefits, the patients studied, and the questions researchers are still working to answer.
Literature checked
October 20, 2026
2022 · Randomized clinical trial
The HOLLT trial reported less necrosis and fewer late complications
Publication indexed in PubMed. 2022.
Read the publicationThe randomized HOLLT study enrolled 120 patients with severe open tibial injuries. Tissue necrosis occurred in 29% of the HBOT group versus 53% of controls, and later complications were less frequent with HBOT.
How to interpret it: These were secondary findings. The primary combined outcome of necrosis or infection was not statistically significant, so the overall result needs that context.
2025 · Observational clinical series
A 2025 crush-injury series adds clinical experience
Avcı AU, et al. Undersea & hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc. 2025 Third Quarter.
Read the publicationA report of 33 earthquake-related crush injuries described limb preservation in many patients receiving HBOT within a broader surgical and medical treatment program.
How to interpret it: The series had no comparison group. It cannot establish that HBOT caused limb salvage or predict the outcome of another injury.
What this means for your decision
The randomized findings provide encouraging support for selected severe traumatic injuries, particularly for tissue necrosis and later complications. Research continues to refine selection and timing. Immediate decisions belong to the trauma team; follow-up can focus on healing and coordinated rehabilitation.
Plan with your care team
Start with your diagnosis and a coordinated plan
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Share the relevant records
Bring trauma and operative reports, vascular findings, wound assessments, fracture management details, and the current specialist plan.
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Agree on the purpose of treatment
Review the evidence with your treating specialist and hyperbaric clinician. Identify specific outcomes to follow, the alternatives, and the reasons HBOT may or may not be appropriate.
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Set reassessment points
If treatment is prescribed, discuss the schedule, travel, costs, safety screening, and how progress will be reviewed. A published study schedule does not determine an individual prescription.
Your consultation is an opportunity to ask about expected benefits, treatment experience, scheduling, costs, and follow-up. We review suitability with you and coordinate with your treating clinicians when appropriate.
The RX-O2 difference
A team and setting you can get to know
Medical oversight from the start
Medical Director Marvin A. Borsand, DO, FACOS, FACCS, HCC, leads clinical oversight. A licensed medical provider reviews suitability and prescribes treatment when appropriate.
Medical hyperbaric equipment
Our clinics use FDA-cleared hard-shell chambers. You breathe 100% medical oxygen through a mask or hood while the chamber is pressurized with air.
Preparation and communication
NHSA-certified hyperbaric technicians explain the visit and monitor treatment. Tell us about ear pressure, positioning, mobility, or confinement concerns before you arrive.
Before your visit
Traumatic ischemia & crush injury FAQs
Can HBOT prevent an amputation?
It may be considered within a limb-preservation plan, but no treatment can guarantee that an amputation will be avoided. Injury severity and timely definitive care are critical.
Does it replace surgery for compartment syndrome?
No. Suspected compartment syndrome requires emergency surgical assessment and treatment when indicated.
Can RX-O2 help after hospital discharge?
Ask your treating team whether an outpatient hyperbaric assessment is appropriate. Provide the operative records and current wound or rehabilitation plan.
Where can I discuss this research near Phoenix?
RX-O2 has clinics in Scottsdale and Glendale. Bring your records or ask your provider to send a referral so that the team can review your circumstances and explain whether an outpatient consultation is appropriate.
Local care, two Valley locations
Explore HBOT in Scottsdale or Glendale
Looking for a hyperbaric consultation near Phoenix? RX-O2 offers two locations for patients across the Valley. Call the clinic closest to you for appointment availability and help planning repeat visits.
RX-O2 Scottsdale
9035 E Pima Center Parkway #11Scottsdale, AZ 85258
An East Valley option for patients in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and nearby communities.
RX-O2 Glendale
5626 N 51st AvenueGlendale, AZ 85301
A West Valley option for patients in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, and nearby communities.
Bring your questions. Explore your options.
After urgent medical needs have been addressed, ask your treating team whether an outpatient hyperbaric consultation has a role.
Sources & further reading
- Publication indexed in PubMed. 2022. The HOLLT trial reported less necrosis and fewer late complications.
- Avcı AU, et al. Undersea & hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc. 2025 Third Quarter. A 2025 crush-injury series adds clinical experience.
Browse the complete HBOT research library · Learn how HBOT works
Selected research checked October 20, 2026. Evidence continues to evolve. This educational overview supports a conversation with your treating clinician; individual results vary.
Read HBOT safety and treatment FAQs. Discuss treatment risks, medicines, implants, and relevant medical history with your clinician. Equipment clearance does not establish effectiveness for every condition.