Crush injuries occur when body tissues are severely traumatized such as in motor vehicle accidents, falls, and gun shot wounds. These injuries frequently occur in the extremities. When crush injuries are severe, the rate of complications such as infection, non-healing of fractures, and amputations range up to 50%.

When used as an adjunct to orthopedic surgery and antibiotics, HBOT works to decrease complications from severe crush injuries. HBOT increases oxygen delivery to the injured tissues specifically in peripheral oxygen transport, it reduces swelling and provides an improved environment for healing and fighting infection.

In treating crush injuries, HBOT promotes hyperoxygenation, increasing the oxygen carrying capacity and oxygen defusion in tissue fluid. HBOT also promotes vasoconstriction, decreasing inflow into tissues, decreasing edema.