Cold injuries

The management of patients with cold injuries of the hands may be extremely simple or relatively complex. The extent of the injury and the systemic response to the cold are the major influencing factors. In patients with extensive cold injuries, where all or a large portion of more than one extremity is cold or frozen and there has been a significant systemic response, treatment should be both systemic and local. Treatment should be directed toward both the preservation of tissue and maintenance of function of the damaged part. Minimal daily débridement and late amputation are important guidelines for care.