Hyperbaric Oxygen Accelerates Healing Assessed by Thermal Imaging & Planimetry
A 2019 clinical study from Poland evaluated 142 patients with chronic leg ulcers—caused by venous insufficiency or diabetic foot syndrome—undergoing 30 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Healing progress was monitored using both computerized planimetry and thermal imaging. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Highlights:
- Digital Measurements: Computerized planimetry showed significant reductions in wound surface area and perimeter following HBOT across both ulcer types. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Thermal Imaging Insights: Thermographic scans detected inflammation-related temperature differences, which narrowed significantly after treatment (ΔT between ulcer center and periwound dropped from 0.9 °C to 0.3 °C). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Correlated Monitoring: Thermal and planimetric data were strongly correlated, though they measured different aspects—metabolic activity versus structural size. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Clinical Value: Combining thermal imaging and planimetry offers a non-invasive, objective way to track both physical and physiological healing responses to HBOT.
These findings support HBOT’s effectiveness in chronic wound care and highlight the potential of combined imaging methods to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment monitoring.
Read the full study on PubMed Central.
Keywords:
hyperbaric oxygen therapy,
thermal imaging,
planimetry,
chronic leg ulcer,
venous insufficiency