We present a rare case of full-thickness frostbite injury following cryotherapeutic treatment for a viral digital wart. Treatment of abnormal skin growths secondary to cutaneous infection by human papillomavirus (ie, warts) often is sought because of their unsightly appearance. Numerous treatment modalities exist, including topical, systemic, surgical, and cryotherapeutic options. Cryotherapy (eg, liquid nitrogen) represents a common treatment option for cutaneous warts. Complications secondary to cryotherapy are infrequent and generally minor (eg, skin dyspigmentation or transient dysesthesias). In this case, a 37-year-old woman sustained a full-thickness injury following cryotherapeutic treatment for a wart on the dorsum of her left ring finger resulting in a wound with exposure and partial injury of her terminal extensor tendon. The wound was treated with debridement and reconstruction with reverse cross-finger flap from the adjacent long finger. Observed functional and cosmetic outcomes were excellent, including complete resolution of her terminal extensor lag.
Keywords: Cryotherapy; Frostbite; Liquid nitrogen; Reconstruction; Reverse cross-finger flap.
© 2025 The Authors.