The incidence of rib fractures after CPR is reported in over 70% of CPR cases, with a mean number of 7.6 broken ribs per person (8). Despite their rarity, these fractures can result in fatal injuries such as cardiac laceration and pericardial tamponade (1,2).
Unfortunately, ribs can fracture as the result of CPR chest compressions. While it isn't the case all of the time, it can happen. According to the statistics, about 30% of those who survive CPR wake up with a cracked sternum and/or broken rib.
As a rough guide, fractured ribs and sternums take about 4-6 weeks to heal and it is usual to still feel some discomfort after this time. Bruising can take between 2-4 weeks to heal.
The incidence of rib fractures after CPR is reported in over 70% of CPR cases, with a mean number of 7.6 broken ribs per person (8). Despite their rarity, these fractures can result in fatal injuries such as cardiac laceration and pericardial tamponade (1,2).
CPR is an action that involves repeated chest compressions, each compression being about five centimeters deep. Two inches is actually a considerable amount, and about 30% of patients will find themselves with a broken sternum or a fractured rib.
What percentage of people survive after receiving CPR? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the overall survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is around 10%.
During CPR, many complications may occur because of chest compressions, especially chest injuries including sternum and rib fractures. Rarely tracheal injury, rupture of the stomach, or liver or spleen injury may also occur as complications.
As regards the CPR-related sternal fractures, 85.7% of these injuries were identified in the body of the sternum and 14.3% in the manubrium. More specifically, out of 88 cases, only 26.1% had rib fractures. Most of them were located in the six upper ribs.
Risks of CPR:
CPR can break ribs and cause severe pain. Survivors likely face a long hospital stay and rehabilitation. Complications of intubation and ventilation include damage to the teeth, voice box or lungs, pneumonias or other infections, and collapsed lungs.
Risk of Brain Damage after Cardiac Arrest
If CPR is initiated within: 0–4 minutes: unlikely to develop brain damage. 4–6 minutes: possibility of brain damage. 6–10 minutes: high probability of brain damage.
When cardiac arrest occurs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be started within two minutes. Effective CPR, if started immediately with a witnessed arrest can have positive outcomes. By nine minutes, severe and permanent brain damage is likely. After 10 minutes, the chances of survival are low.
In addition to a reduced chance of survival, improperly-administered CPR can also result in: Broken or cracked ribs and/or sternum fractures caused by improperly-administered chest compressions (this is a particular danger for children and the elderly); Pressure buildup in the body due to too many chest compressions.
One last electrical shock returned the heart to a normal sinus rhythm, after a total time in cardiac arrest of nearly 9 hours. Three months and 10 days later, Roberto was discharged, with mild amnesia the only lasting souvenir of his experience.
Out of hospital Cardiac Arrest and CPR Duration Data
The CPR duration required to achieve a ROSC in >99% of out-of-hospital cardiac patients with a 1-month favorable neurological outcome was 45 min, considering both pre- and in-hospital settings.
0-4 minutes: brain damage is not likely; chances of survival and health high. 4-6 minutes: brain damage could occur; reaching the beginning of brain death. 6-10 minutes: brain damage is likely; the person may suffer ongoing issues after being resuscitated.
Second, our finding that the longest pause before heart activity restarted on its own was four minutes and 20 seconds supports the current practice of waiting five minutes after circulation stops before declaring death and proceeding to organ recovery.
If they do have a pulse but aren't breathing, give them CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until help arrives. CPR chest compressions are important because they provide oxygenated blood flow to all parts of the body and keep organs alive until medical personnel arrive on scene.
Chest pain.
This is caused by the pressure on your chest during CPR and can last up to two weeks after the procedure. The pain may also move from one side of your chest to another, or it may come in waves. It will usually subside with time and rest, but if it persists or gets worse, contact your doctor right away.
The physicians and scientists at the Sarver Heart Center, have found that the old saying "Never perform CPR on beating heart" is not valid. According to these professionals, the chances that a bystander could harm a person by pressing on their chest are slim to none, even if the heart is working normally.
The most common ribs fractured are the 7th through 10th ribs. Fractures of the first and second ribs are rare but may be associated with serious damage to the brachial plexus of nerves, the subclavian vessels or associated with head, facial or thoracic aorta injuries.
The reality is that, outside of the movies, CPR does not work every time. In fact, on its own CPR only works around 2% of the time, mostly because it is not designed to be used in isolation.
Consciousness during CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is rare,1–3 but it is most likely with high-quality CPR with few interruptions, adequate depth of chest compression, and use of mechanical devices for chest compression. We describe the course of a patient who was awake and communicating during CPR.