A 60-year-old man with a medical history of schizoaffective disorder and polysubstance abuse presented in Birmingham, Alabama, with bilateral "black feet." He reported "a few hours out in the cold" 3 weeks ago. Physical examination revealed forth degree frostbite of the bilateral lower extremities (Figs 1 and 2).
What is the incidence of frostbite and what populations are at risk of developing the condition?
What is the pathophysiology of frostbite?
What are the classification systems for frostbite and how is the severity of frostbite determined?
What are the current recommendations for the surgical management frostbite?