Skip to main content

Hypothermia and Frostbite, Sports Medicine

Rania L. Dempsey, MD, MS and Craig C. Young, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Frostbite:

    • Severe, local cold-related injury, resulting in freezing of soft tissue:

      • Superficial: partial or complete freeze of skin

      • Deep: involvement of skin and underlying tissue (may ...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Frostbite:

    • Skin may appear erythematous and swollen, or waxy, white, yellow, or blue-purple.

    • Vesicles/blisters may be present.

    • Patients with superficial frostbite complain of numbness and pain ...

TREATMENT

  • Prehospital:

    • Frostbite:

      • Avoid thawing until no further risk of refreezing.

      • Immerse affected part in 37–39°C (98.6–102°F) 2[C].

      • Remove wet clothing and protect from further cold injury.

      • Ensure ade...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • Mild to moderate cases of both hypothermia and frostbite generally recover fully without complication.

  • Severe cases may lead to significant disability and death.

COMPLICATIONS

  • Frost...

REFERENCES

1
Cauchy E, Marsigny B, Allamel G, et al. The value of technetium 99 scintigraphy in the prognosis of amputation in severe frostbite injuries of the extremities: a retrospective study of 92 ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Cappaert TA, Stone JA, Castellani JW, et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: environmental cold injuries. J Athl Train.  2008;43(6):640–658.

  • Castella...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Hypothermia can occur even at moderate temperatures (50–65°F [10–18°C]) if wind, rain, sweat, or wet clothing lead to heat loss that is greater than metabolic heat production.

  • Prolonged...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×