What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed 56 published studies from 2017–2023 on the diagnosis and treatment of frostbite affecting the hands and arms, including the potential role of HBOT.
What They Found
Rapid rewarming, anti-inflammatory medications, and clot-dissolving drugs (rt-PA and Iloprost) have shown the strongest evidence for improving frostbite outcomes. HBOT was identified as a treatment under ongoing study, but current evidence is not strong enough to include it in standard management protocols.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadians in northern regions, Indigenous communities, and outdoor recreation settings where frostbite is a real risk, this review highlights that clot-dissolving drugs and rapid rewarming are the best-proven treatments. HBOT remains an option being studied and may be useful in select cases where tissue salvage is critical.
Canadian Relevance
Given Canada's climate, frostbite is a clinically relevant condition, particularly in northern and remote communities. HBOT for frostbite is not currently OHIP-covered but is used in some Canadian centres.
Study Limitations
The review covered only 2017–2023 literature and categorizes HBOT as investigational, not yet definitively recommended or ruled out.