Fundamentals of Frostbite

Frostbite is an important contributor to disability in cold climates and among select populations. It has a unique pathophysiology differentiating it from other thermal injuries and has seen significant improvement in management in recent years. The majority of treatment recommendations are still based on expert opinion, low-quality clinical trials, or even laboratory data, giving rise to multiple guidelines for classification and treatment. In this chapter, we will use a case to walk through the background, epidemiological, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation knowledge required to manage a presentation of this condition.