Cryotherapy-Induced Full-Thickness Digital Frostbite Injury Reconstructed With Reverse Cross-Finger Flap.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Publication Title

Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online

Abstract

We present a rare case of full-thickness frostbite injury following cryotherapeutic treatment for a viral digital wart. Treatment of abnormal skin growths secondary to cutaneous infection by human papillomavirus (ie, warts) often is sought because of their unsightly appearance. Numerous treatment modalities exist, including topical, systemic, surgical, and cryotherapeutic options. Cryotherapy (eg, liquid nitrogen) represents a common treatment option for cutaneous warts. Complications secondary to cryotherapy are infrequent and generally minor (eg, skin dyspigmentation or transient dysesthesias). In this case, a 37-year-old woman sustained a full-thickness injury following cryotherapeutic treatment for a wart on the dorsum of her left ring finger resulting in a wound with exposure and partial injury of her terminal extensor tendon. The wound was treated with debridement and reconstruction with reverse cross-finger flap from the adjacent long finger. Observed functional and cosmetic outcomes were excellent, including complete resolution of her terminal extensor lag.

Volume

7

Issue

5

First Page

100799

Last Page

100799

DOI

10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100799

ISSN

2589-5141

PubMed ID

40746747

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