Sequelae of moderate finger frostbite as assessed by subjective sensations, clinical signs, and thermophysiological responses
Ervasti, O.; Hassi, J.; Rintamäki, H.; Virokannas, H.; Kettunen, P.; Pramila, S.; Linna, T.; Tolonen, U.; Manelius, J.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health 59(2): 137-145
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1239-9736 PMID: 10998831 Document Number: 7598
The aim of the study was to investigate prevalence and qualities of sequelae following moderate finger frostbite. The study material comprised 30 subjects, who had suffered second-degree frostbite (73% contact frostbite) 4-11 years before this study. In clinical tests 66% of the subjects had an elevated tendency for vasospasm, yet only 20% suffered from white fingers. However, no marked traces of frostbite-related alterations were observed in systemic cardiovascular reflex tests or in X-ray examinations of the frostbite area. Subjective assessments revealed a high prevalence of sequelae (63%), although the primary frostbite was moderate and local. The sequelae in the frostbite area included hypersensitivity to cold (53%), numbness of fingers (40%), and declined sensitivity of touch (33%). Also working ability was lowered due to frostbite sequelae (13%). In cold air provocation tests, the skin temperature of the frostbitten areas decreased more quickly and reached lower values than in healthy control subjects. In conclusion the suffered frostbite was associated with an increased tendency for vasospasm. Subjective sensations of the frostbitten area were associated with thermophysiological changes. The sequelae were reported to worsen in the cold environment thus emphasizing the probable occupational limitations of even moderate cold injury.
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