Interphalangeal joint destruction: a complication of cryotherapy.
Chondrocytes of the digital epiphyses, physes, and articular cartilage are particularly susceptible to the direct lethal effects of extremely low temperatures. We have treated a 13-year-old patient with chondral necrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint following cryotherapy. Focal contact with the probe tip caused isolated, asymmetric physeal destruction.
D000293:Adolescent; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D011859:Radiography; D014860:Warts / Q000628:therapy