2025 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Enhances Graft Healing and Mechanical Properties After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Chilan Leite, MD, PhD, Boston, MA UNITED STATES
Magno Santos Leite, MD, PhD, Sao Paulo, SP BRAZIL
Bruno Butturi Varone, MD, Sao Paulo BRAZIL
Mariana dos Santos Silva, MD, Sao Paulo, SP BRAZIL
Cesar Augusto Martins Pereira, PhD, Sao Paulo, SP BRAZIL
Christian Lattermann, MD, Foxborough, MA UNITED STATES
Marco K. Demange, MD, PhD, São Paulo, SP BRAZIL
Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BRAZIL
FDA Status Not Applicable
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves ACL reconstruction
ePosters will be available shortly before Congress
Abstract
Title: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances graft healing and mechanical properties after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an experimental study in rabbits
Introduction
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting wound healing. Nevertheless, its influence on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is not yet fully understood. This research focused on exploring the impact of HBOT on graft healing after ACL reconstruction in a rabbit model.
Methods
Male New Zealand rabbits underwent ACL reconstruction and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the HBOT group or the ambient air group. The HBOT group received daily treatments of 100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute for 2 hours, starting on the first postoperative day and continuing for 5 consecutive days. The ambient air group remained in standard room air conditions throughout the study. Twelve weeks after surgery, the rabbits were euthanized, and their knees were collected for detailed analysis. Graft signal and tunnel size were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging, while high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography was employed to evaluate bone mineral density and microarchitecture. Biomechanical testing was conducted to measure graft load to failure and stiffness.
Results
The HBOT group exhibited enhanced graft maturation and integration compared to the ambient air group, as evidenced by reduced graft signal intensity, smaller femoral and tibial tunnel sizes, and higher bone mineral density measurements. Furthermore, biomechanical testing revealed that the HBOT group achieved greater load to failure and stiffness than the ambient air group.
Conclusion
The use of HBOT as an adjuvant therapy enhanced graft healing following ACL reconstruction in rabbits. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential clinical application of HBOT as a treatment to promote graft healing after ACL reconstruction. Additional research is required to assess its effects in human subjects.