Frostbite in a mountain climber treated with hyperbaric oxygen: case report

Abstract

We describe a case of frostbite to all fingers of a mountain climber, treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). All fingers eventually healed to full function, with only some cosmetic deformity to the tip of the most severely affected finger. Because few cases of frostbite treated with HBO have been reported, we hope that such case reports will stimulate future research in this area. It is hoped that multiple anecdotal cases may help guide future research in this area. Sequential digital photographs were taken at various stages of healing during HBO treatments. We raise the possibility of photographic techniques and standards that may facilitate planning of therapy for frostbite with improved treatment comparisons, resulting in more consistency in the future. For example, a graphical software application is described that allows morphing of sequential images to demonstrate healing progress in a concise movie format. The morphing allows concise demonstration of healing to the referring provider and patient and helps in teaching and research on frostbite treatment outcomes.