Severe nasal frostbite injury from nasal cannula supplemental oxygen malfunction

We describe the presentation and management of a patient who presented to our institution with severe nasal frostbite from nasal cannula supplemental oxygen malfunction. This rare complication has not previously been reported in the English Literature. We describe the physical properties of compressed oxygen release that may contribute to these malfunctions and the role of the otolaryngologist in the management of the resulting injuries.