Frostbite Injuries in the Austrian Alps: A Retrospective 11-Year National Registry Study

Frostbite is a cold injury mostly affecting the extremities. The objective of this study was to reveal the incidence of frostbite injuries in the Austrian Alps, to search for frostbite risk factors, and thereby optimize prevention and treatment.

Out-of-hospital data in the National Registry of Alpine Accidents from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2015, were screened for frostbite injuries. Cases in the registry were merged with clinical data from the major trauma center in western Austria, Innsbruck Medical University Hospital, and statistically analyzed.

Documented in the National Registry are 114,595 injured persons in the 11-year study period. Thirty-one frostbite cases were documented nationwide, 18 (58%) of which occurred in the western states of Austria and were therefore potentially referred to the Innsbruck Medical University Hospital. Six (19.6%) patients were female. Frostbite was almost exclusively related to fingers and toes (90% of cases).

Frostbite injuries in the Austrian Alps are rare. With an incidence of 0.07/100,000, three to four clinically relevant frostbite injuries occur annually. Men are at greater risk for frostbite injuries than women. Fingers and toes are at greatest risk. Proper preparation of outdoor activities and cold-protective gear can help prevent frostbite injuries.