Diabetic hand infections and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to discuss the clinical characteristics and results of hand infections in diabetic patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Methods: This retrospective study included 10 patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent HBOT due to hand infections between January 2006 and February 2011.
Results: Amputation was performed at the level of the right hand index finger proximal interphalangeal joint in 1 patient and at the level of the distal phalanx of the left hand middle finger in 1 due to necrotizing soft tissue infection. Ulcers of 8 patients healed completely without amputation.
Conclusion: The addition of HBOT to the standard treatment may contribute to the healing of hand ulcers in diabetics by increasing the tissue oxygenation and correcting the process of disturbed wound healing.