Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

A Neonatal Mouse Spinal Cord Compression Injury Model
Published on: March 27, 2016
Skeletal and soft tissue injuries after manual and mechanical chest compressions
Niklas Friberg1,2, Simon Schmidbauer3,4,5, Charles Walther1
1Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Medical Service, Clinical Genetics and Pathology, Sölvegatan 25, Lund, Sweden.
Aims:
To determine the rate of injuries related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiac arrest non-survivors, comparing manual CPR with CPR performed using the Lund University Cardiac Assist System (LUCAS).
Methods And Results:
We prospectively evaluated 414 deceased adult patients using focused, standardized post-mortem investigation in years 2005 through 2013. Skeletal and soft tissue injuries were noted, and soft tissue injuries were evaluated with respect to degree of severity. We found sternal fracture in 38%, rib fracture in 77%, and severe soft tissue injury in 1.9% of cases treated with CPR with manual chest compressions (n = 52). Treatment with LUCAS CPR (n = 362) was associated with significantly higher rates of sternal fracture (80% of cases), rib fracture (96%), and severe soft tissue injury (10%), including several cases of potentially life-threatening injuries.
Conclusion:
LUCAS CPR causes significantly more CPR-related injuries than manual CPR, while providing no proven survival benefit on a population basis. We suggest judicious use of the LUCAS device for cardiac arrest.
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
What is the Skeletal System?
Behavior of Concrete Under Compressive Load
As the concrete specimen fractures under...

