Review Hand Surg Rehabil 2025

Frostbite to the upper limb: An updated review and management recommendations

Saraoui W, Sivakumar B, Forli A, Perruisseau-Carrier A — Hand Surg Rehabil, 2025

View Original on PubMed PMID 41109637

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

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.

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.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type	Review
Category	Neurological
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	41109637
Year Published	2025
Journal	Hand Surg Rehabil
MeSH Terms	Humans; Frostbite; Upper Extremity; Rewarming; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Thrombolytic Therapy; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: March 19, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology