Cryotherapy and nerve palsy

Abstract

Ice application is one of the most extensively used treatments for athletic injuries. Frostbite is a recog nized danger. Five cases of nerve palsy resulting from ice application are reported here. These palsies were temporary. They usually resolve spontaneously with out any significant sequelae. This complication can be avoided by not using ice for more than 30 minutes and by guarding superficial nerves in the area.