The Alfred Hospital's hyperbaric service will lead an international multi-centre trial to investigate whether the early use of hyperbaric oxygen can reduce complications and improve outcomes for people with severe lower leg injuries.

The two-year study will involve up to 300 patients from 15 trauma centres around the world with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to be incorporated into the treatment plan as soon as possible after the patient's surgery.

Several trauma centres in Europe have already been recruited as part of the Victorian Trauma Foundation-funded study with strong interest from centres in Italy, France, the Czech Republic, South Africa and the United States.

The Alfred Hospital Hyperbaric Service Head Dr Ian Millar said hyperbaric oxygen was commonly used to treat complications but this study aimed to determine if early use could prevent complications such as chronic infection and pain, non-healing wounds, bones failing to heal and even amputation.

During 2005/06, more than 1,000 patients were treated at the Alfred for lower limb injuries.

Dr Millar said at least one in three patients suffered complications.

'We have chosen to focus on the most severe categories of lower leg injury as these continue to have high rates of complications such as infection and wound breakdown despite the best of modern care.

Dr Millar said while clinical opinions were that this treatment could be of significant benefit, there were very few studies in this area.

The Alfred was one of the few trauma centres in the world where hyperbaric oxygen had become a standard care option in the management of musculoskeletal trauma patients, making it an appropriate choice for this study.

Since installing the Tattersall's Hyperbaric Chamber in 1999, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has become an integral part of treatment for many Alfred patients including those with chronic conditions, skin grafts and those suffering extreme blood loss.

Dr Millar said the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy was currently undergoing a resurgence internationally.

Countries such as China and the Soviet Union were leading the way with nearly 4,000 hyperbaric chambers in China alone.