Frostbite.

The diverse methods of therapy are directed at the mechanisms of freezing damage to tissues and the pathophysiology of the response. To prevent tissue loss, prompt rewarming of the frozen tissue is the most important treatment--practically all else is conservative wound care. Once rewarming is complete, little more can be done to alter the course of events relative to this mechanism. However, the vascular phase of injury with its characteristic endothelial damage, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis has been the subject of intensive investigation to determine if the microcirculatory failure and vasospasm may be modified and improved by appropriate therapy. Though experiments suggest that modification is possible, little benefit has been achieved in clinical therapy, probably because the patients are treated too late after thawing. Nevertheless, this remains a good field for continued investigation.

The detection & management of deep venous thrombosis.

DVT is a serious health hazard that requires early detection and careful management. Noninvasive diagnostic testing provides an accurate method of diagnosis, which is especially useful in patients with easily identifiable risk factors. Noninvasive venous diagnostic testing used in an office practice is a safe and accurate method to determine the extent of venous disease. The tests should be done when significant risk factors, especially if multiple in number, for DVT are present.