Ozone Therapy in Diabetic Foot and Chronic, Nonhealing Wounds

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of ozone therapy (as a part of a comprehensive approach) with its different techniques in the management of diabetic foot problems and chronic nonhealing wounds. The study design included a case series study, with review of the literature. Researchers used an ozone therapy unit, a Navy Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Institute, and Ozone Therapy Unit, at the Armed Forces Hospital, in Alexandria, Egypt. All patients with diabetic foot problems and chronic nonhealing wounds were treated with ozone therapy from August 2006 to August 2009. Full history and clinical examination to identify diagnosis, and determine therapeutic comprehensive approaches including ozone therapy treatment protocols. Observation notes on the practice of ozone techniques, progress of diseases and outcome were accurately documented. Data were reviewed against best practice described in the literature. We observed overall successful treatments in 87% (46% of them complete healing) of patients treated with ozone. We reported the general and topical effects of ozone correlated to the technique used. The present study offers the clinical evidence which supports and recommends the use of ozone in diabetic foot and chronic nonhealing wounds. Cooperation between surgeon and ozone therapist is a must for successful outcomes. Randomized controlled trials should be performed as an essential method for accurately proving the reliability, efficacy and possible side effects of ozone therapy, and to introduce ozone to the world of surgeons and clinicians.