Chest compression-induced vertebral fractures

Two cases with chest compression-induced thoracolumbar transvertebral fractures are discussed. This is a previously unreported complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Dorsal kyphosis and osteopenia were present in both of these cases. There was no spinal cord injury documented, though the potential for injury and paraplegia exists. Care should be taken to avoid this complication, especially in the elderly with kyphosis; however, adequate compressions to insure support of circulation should be maintained.