Frostbite treated with hyperbaric oxygen

Abstract

This is a case report of a 39-year-old man who participated in a cross-country skiing race in Alaska. A few minutes with a glove-free hand resulted in frostbites. Medical assistance arrived 24 hours later and enoxaparine was administered. After seven days, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was initiated in Denmark. After 90 days the distal part of the second finger was removed due to mummification. Compared with the original extent of the injury the amputated part was significantly smaller. HBOT as treatment has not yet been described in Danish patients and is only used on an experimental basis worldwide.