COULD OZONE TREATMENT BE A PROMISING ALTERNATIVE FOR OSTEOMYELITIS? AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Background: Osteomyelitis is an infection which may be accompanied with necrosis of the bone. mainstays of treatment are sufficient surgical intervention, appropriate antibiotic regimen, and reconstruction of tissue architecture; however, optimal outcomes cannot always be achieved. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the biochemical and histopathological impacts of ozone treatment in osteomyelitis in an experimental rat model. Material and Methods: A total of 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (3 months old, each weighing 300 to 400 g) were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group I (n=8) served as a sham and received no interventions or medications. In Group II (n=8), experimental osteomyelitis model was triggered on femur without any additional therapeutics. Group III (n=8) received intraperitoneal ozone treatment for 3 weeks after the formation of osteomyelitis in the femur. samples were assessed regarding total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyl content (PCO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Bone specimens obtained from the femur were assessed histopathologically for inflammation, necrosis, osteomyelitis and abscess formation. Results: Serum TAC levels were notably higher (pu003c0.001), while LDH levels were lower (p=0.002) in Group III compared with Group II. No significant difference was detected between groups with respect to PCO level. Similarly, Group III displayed more favorable histopathological outcomes with respect to osteomyelitis (p=0.008), inflammation (p=0.001), necrosis (p=0.022) and abscess formation (p=0.022). Conclusion: We suggest that ozone treatment may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of osteomyelitis. Elucidation and confirmation of these preventive effects, understanding the underlying pathophysiology and establishment of guidelines necessitate further experimental and clinical trials.