Proposed Treatment Protocol for Frostbite: A Retrospective Analysis of 17 Cases Based on a 3-Year Single-Institution Experience
A 43-year-old woman sustained third-degree frostbite to both hands while climbing a mountain. The patient presented with a blue-gray discoloration seen at the time of the onset of injury. In addition, the patient exhibited full-thickness skin necrosis on day 23. Therefore, the patient underwent debridement and a split-thickness skin graft on day 24. The patient achieved a complete cure on postoperative week 5. In this patient, however, the treatment period was relatively longer; the patient received the treatment until up to postoperative week 3 (at day 56 following the onset of injury). However, the patient complained of limited joint mobility due to swelling of the hand and joint stiffness. These symptoms were improved through continuous finger movement and rehabilitation therapy. However, the patient had persistent sensory impairment ().