Chemical Injuries and Frostbite-A Retrospective Study of 92 Severe Frostbite Injuries

A Retrospective Study of 92 Severe Frostbite Injuries

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This study looked at the prognostic value of bone scanning in patients with severe frostbite of the extremities. The results showed that an early bone scan (as early as day 3) had excellent specificity in evaluating the severity of frostbite injury. The demarcation zone of uptake in the phalanges correlated with the eventual level of amputation. A second scan on day 7 was even more sensitive and informative, with positive uptake correlating with eventual healing. The study proposed an algorithm based on the results that can be used to evaluate medical and surgical management of frostbite injury. The study concluded that bone scanning in the first few days after frostbite injury can indicate the level of amputation in severe frostbite in more than 84% of cases. This information can help in decision making and surgical planning. Frostbite is a localized tissue injury caused by prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0°C. It is most common in people who are active in polar environments, such as skiers and mountaineers. The severity of the injury depends on the duration of exposure and the use of protection. The study analyzed bone scans in 92 patients with severe frostbite over a 12-year period. The scans were performed early in the treatment and showed strong correlations between uptake patterns and eventual outcomes. This information can be valuable in determining the appropriate level of amputation and informing patients about their prognosis.

Keywords

bone scanning

severe frostbite

early bone scan

frostbite injury

demarcation zone

level of amputation

surgical management

day 7 scan

eventual healing

prognosis