Chest wall injuries following cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The forensic records were reviewed of 1823 deaths referred to Edinburgh City Mortuary for autopsy over a 15-month period. 2000-2001: 499 cases (343 males, 156 females) that received CPR prior to death were studied. Rib fractures were, found in 29%. sternal fracture in 14% and 11% of cases showed external chest wall bruising or abrasion. More females sustained rib fractures than males, (37%. 26%: P < 0.05). There was no significant gender difference for sternal fracture (females 17%, males 12%: P = 0.051). The incidence of fib fractures increased with age (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of left or right ribs fractured (P = 0.631). This Study incorporates all cases of in and out-of-hospital CPR and does not discriminate for the CPR provider or technique employed, therefore, providing a current and representative overview of the incidence of rib and sternal fractures in non-survivors of CPR. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.