Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Preventing Amputation in Severe Crush Injury due to Earthquake in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment modality whose indications expand over time. Although its use is not as widespread in children as in adults, HBOT can also be applied in pediatric patients with similar indications. This case presentation discusses the application of HBOT in a pediatric patient with an upper extremity crush injury. A 3-year-old female patient was stuck under rubble in the February 6, 2023, Türkiye earthquake. After the patient was rescued, a fasciotomy was performed, and a few days later, an amputation was indicated and he was referred to our hospital. In the evaluation made after the transfer to our hospital, amputation was postponed and HBOT was applied. The patient underwent 21 sessions of HBOT. Amputation was prevented after recovery of the extremity with HBOT. In conclusion, HBOT can be used safely and effectively in pediatric patients with extensive damage to the extremities due to crush injuries.

Keywords

• hyperbaric oxygenation
• crush injuries
• earthquakes
• forearm injuries
• fasciotomy