In this study we analyzed CPR-related skeletal chest injuries (SCI) of 2148 patients who had undergone resuscitation for non-traumatic cardiac arrest, in the period 2004-2013. The percentage of patients injured and the number of SCI increased with age. Our study showed that rib and sternum fractures are much more frequent than generally considered. Increased compression rate and depth as well as changes in resuscitation guidelines contribute to the incidence and number of SCI. Human body injuries caused by mechanical load were analized, finding important rate, magnitude and age influence.
COBISS.SI-ID: 32159449