Thoracic Artefacts Due to Resuscitative Procedures Encountered During Autopsy

This prospective study was conducted at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, from October 2008 to March 2010, for a period of 18 months with aim to study the pattern of thoracic resuscitative artefacts and to ascertain the causal relationship of thoracic resuscitative artefact to age and sex. Data was collected by detailed questionnaire, focusing on the history furnished by the police in inquest and requisition form, by the relatives and hospital records.

Thoracic artefacts were present in 15% cases. Rib fracture artefact was found in 15% cases. Most commonly fractured ribs were 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th at midclavicular line, either unilateral or bilateral. 2^nd, 6^th and 7^th ribs were less commonly involved and there was no involvement of 1^st and 8^th to 12^th ribs. Most common site of rib fracture was midclavicular line. Sternum was most commonly fractured at middle 1/3^rd due to CPR. In cases above 50 years, percentage of rib and sternal fracture was more in females. Positive correlation was found between thoracic artefact and age. Incidence of artefact was less in cases when CPR was given by doctor than in cases in which it was given by a paramedical person followed by doctor and percentage of incidence of artefact was further more in cases where CPR was given by layperson followed by doctor.