Severe hypothermic injury to the foot and ankle caused by continuous cryocompression therapy.

Abstract

Iatrogenic hypothermic injury in the treatment of traumatic disorders is a rare complication. Cryocompression therapy is widely used in the treatment of pre- and postoperative pain and swelling, but hypothermic damage to the soft tissues has not yet been reported. We present a case in which a patient sustained a hypothermic injury after continuous preoperative cryocompression therapy of an ankle fracture. The patient developed skin epidermolysis, partial nerve damage, muscle atrophy and clawing of the toes. The possible causes of this unusual injury are discussed.