Free tissue reconstruction of a liquid nitrogen burn: a case report and literature review

Abstract Due to its boiling point of −196 °C, liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic substance which is commonly used in many industries for its cooling properties. However, this extreme cooling capability means that it also has the potential to inflict severe full-thickness burns. Despite its widespread use in the workplace, very little has been described in the literature regarding complex reconstruction of liquid nitrogen burns. We present a case that is unique, not only in its unusual mechanism of injury but also in that it is the first described case of free tissue reconstruction of cryogenic burns.