Classification of frostbite injuries
Frostbite injuries can be classified into grades 1 to 4 depending on the clinical presentation after rewarming (1,2)
- grades 1 to 2 comprising superficial frostbite injuries
- grade 1, cyanosis is absent, and the risk of amputation is minimal
- grade 2 frostbite presents with cyanosis on the distal phalanx of fingers or toes, and is associated with a moderate risk of amputation
- grades 3 to 4 deep frostbite injuries
- grade 3 frostbite injury
- cyanosis up to the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP; base of the fingers) or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP; middle of the foot)
- bears a high risk of amputation
- grade 4 injuries
- cyanosis is seen proximal to the MCP or MTP joint
- the risk of amputation is almost 100%
- grade 3 frostbite injury
Reference:
- Sheridan RL, Goverman JM, Walker TG. Diagnosis and treatment of frostbite. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jun 9;386(23):2213-20.
- McIntosh SE, Freer L, Grissom CK, et al. Wilderness Medical Society clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of frostbite: 2024 update. Wilderness Environ Med. 2024 Jun;35(2):183-97.
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.