32 - Cold-induced injury: Frostbite

Rachel M Nygaard; Desmond Khor; Lucy Wibbenmeyer

doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-88389-4.00041-5

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Book chapter

32 - Cold-induced injury: Frostbite

Rachel M Nygaard, Desmond Khor and Lucy Wibbenmeyer

Total Burn Care, pp.354-358.e2

Elsevier Inc, Sixth Edition

2026

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-88389-4.00041-5

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Abstract

This provides an overview of the history and pathophysiology of frostbite, as well as current clinical recommendations for treatment of frostbite. Frostbite has a dual pathophysiologic etiology caused by freezing of soft tissues and microvascular thrombosis. Rapid rewarming in a 38°C to 42°C water bath remains the first-line treatment for frostbite injury. Following warming, thrombolytic therapy has shown promise for digital salvage, but the effectiveness of this therapy is time dependent. Rapid identification and treatment of severe frostbite are essential to prevent limb or digit loss. Therapies for delayed presentations of frostbite remain elusive at this time. Further study is needed of modalities, including thrombolytics, prostacyclin analogs, and other adjuvant therapies.

Nuclear Medicine

amputations

freezing cold injury

frostbite

frostbite outcomes

hyperbaric oxygen

prostacyclin analogs

rapid rewarming

SPECT CT

thrombolytics

Details

Title: Subtitle: 32 - Cold-induced injury: Frostbite
Creators: Rachel M Nygaard
Desmond Khor
Lucy Wibbenmeyer
Resource Type: Book chapter
Publication Details: Total Burn Care, pp.354-358.e2
Edition: Sixth Edition
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-88389-4.00041-5
Publisher: Elsevier Inc; Amsterdam
Language: English
Date published: 2026
Academic Unit: Surgery; Injury Prevention Research Center
Record Identifier: 9985121594202771

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