Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Osteoradionecrosis in Sherman Oaks & Calabasas

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a serious delayed complication of radiation therapy in which irradiated bone loses its ability to heal, leading to progressive tissue breakdown, pain, and risk of infection or fracture.

At OxygenWell, we provide medical-grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for patients with Osteoradionecrosis, including cases affecting the jaw, skull base, and other irradiated bones, serving Sherman Oaks and Calabasas with evidence-based care aligned with FDA and UHMS guidelines.

What Is Osteoradionecrosis?

Osteoradionecrosis occurs when radiation damages bone and its surrounding blood supply, resulting in:

Chronic hypoxia (low oxygen levels)
Reduced vascularity
Impaired bone remodeling
Progressive tissue breakdown

ORN most commonly affects:

Mandible (jawbone) — particularly after head and neck radiation
Maxilla
Skull base
Other irradiated bones subjected to trauma or surgery

The condition may develop months to years after radiation therapy, often following dental extraction, oral surgery, or minor trauma.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoradionecrosis may include:

Persistent jaw or bone pain

Exposed bone that does not heal

Non-healing oral or surgical wounds

Difficulty chewing or speaking

Infection

Swelling or drainage

Without intervention, ORN may progress and significantly impact quality of life.

Why Osteoradionecrosis Fails to Heal

Radiation causes permanent damage to:

Small blood vessels supplying bone
Osteoblast and fibroblast activity
Local immune response

As a result, irradiated bone becomes:

Hypovascular (poor blood supply)
Hypoxic (low oxygen)
Hypocellular (reduced healing capacity)

Under these conditions, the body cannot repair bone tissue effectively without targeted intervention.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy delivers 100% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, significantly increasing oxygen delivery to hypoxic bone and surrounding tissues. For osteoradionecrosis, HBOT may support healing by:

Enhancing oxygen diffusion into irradiated bone

Stimulating angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)

Supporting osteogenesis (bone repair)

Improving soft tissue healing

Reducing infection risk

Enhancing surgical outcomes when procedures are required

HBOT is often used adjunctively, alongside dental, oral surgery, ENT, or maxillofacial care.

The Marx Protocol for Osteoradionecrosis

One of the most established treatment frameworks for osteoradionecrosis is the Marx Protocol, developed by Dr. Robert Marx.
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The Marx Protocol utilizes staged Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in conjunction with surgical management to improve outcomes in irradiated bone. In general terms, the protocol may include:

Pre-operative HBOT sessions to improve tissue oxygenation and vascularity
Surgical intervention, when indicated
Post-operative HBOT sessions to support healing and reduce the risk of further necrosis

This approach is designed to:

Improve surgical wound healing
Reduce complications
Support long-term tissue viability in irradiated bone

The specific number of treatments and surgical planning are determined by the treating physician based on disease severity and individual patient factors.

FDA & UHMS Status

FDA-Approved / UHMS-Recognized Indication

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is FDA-approved and UHMS-recognized for the treatment of Osteoradionecrosis and other delayed radiation injuries when medical criteria are met. The Marx Protocol is a widely recognized clinical framework used by specialists in oral surgery, ENT, and maxillofacial surgery.

Insuracne Accepted

Insurance Coverage & Referrals

Many patients receiving HBOT for delayed radiation injury may qualify for insurance coverage, including:

Medicare

PPO insurance plans

Blue Shield

Coverage is typically based on:

Documented history of radiation therapy

Evidence of delayed tissue injury

Medical necessity

Physician referral

Prior authorization requirements

Our team assists with insurance verification and coordination prior to initiating treatment.

What to Expect at OxygenWell

At OxygenWell, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is delivered in a clinically supervised, medical-grade environment. Patients receive:

Individualized treatment planning

Evidence-based hyperbaric protocols

Monitoring by trained hyperbaric professionals

Coordination with referring dentists, oral surgeons, and ENTs

Care focused on safety, comfort, and outcomes

Treatment courses often involve multiple sessions over several weeks, depending on tissue response and physician recommendations.

Why Choose OxygenWell

Medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Experience treating radiation-induced bone injury

Familiarity with Marx Protocol–based care

Locations in Sherman Oaks & Calabasas

Calm, professional, and patient-centered environment

Insurance-friendly care model

Schedule a Hyperbaric Consultation

If you or a loved one is living with achronic non-healing wound and exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, our team ishere to help.

Request a Hyperbaric Consultation Verify Insurance Eligibility

ⓘ Medical Disclaimer

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medicaltreatment and may not be appropriate for all patients. Treatment eligibility,protocols, and insurance coverage depend on individual diagnosis and medicalevaluation. OxygenWell does not guarantee outcomes.