Frostbite Injury of Hand Caused by Liquid Helium: A Case Report

Objective: The aim of this study was to present a case report of a patient with hand frostbite injury sustained by helium vapor and discuss the circumstances of this injury, treatment, and preventive measures. Methods: A case report of the incident was drafted and the relevant literatures were reviewed. The patient was treated with antiedema therapy, extremity elevation, high-molecular-weight dextran, heparin infusion, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Results: The frostbite injury healed with spontaneous epithelization. At his last follow-up at the eighth month, he had a good range of movement of his hand. Conclusion: Frostbite injuries are relatively uncommon and have various etiologies. The adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an alternative treatment of frostbite injuries, although it is still considered investigational.