Management of frostbite injuries

The role of interventional radiology in the management and diagnosis of frostbite injury in 18 patients at the West Side VA Medical Center is presented. Conservative treatment and the use of intra-arterial long acting vasodilators, such as reserpine, are emphasized, even in patients referred 48 to 72 hours after the initial injury. This modality of treatment should be attempted before surgical decision or amputation is necessary. Satisfactory responses were obtained in most of the treated subjects and in some cases, results were dramatic with significant recovery and a minimum of sequelae. Generally clinical principles and physiopathology in frostbite injuries are reviewed.