Factors affecting the risk of ribcage injury in adult subjects during CPR were investigated using the torso region of the THUMS model, a full human body FE-model, representing an average adult male. The thoracic dynamic response of the model was compared to experimental PMHS hub loading impact data and live-subject CPR data found in the literature. The model was then used to study the risk of obtaining injuries in various simulated CPR conditions, also varying the stiffness of the costal cartilage.

Parameters that are known to predict induced injuries were extracted from the model simulations, i.e. chest deflections, and maximum 1st principal strain and von-Mises stress in the ribs and sternum, as well as the pressure in the heart muscle. These were compared with values that have been reported to have the potential to cause injury. The predictions were compared to experimental findings of the probability of CPR resulting in fractures of the ribs and sternum.

The previously mentioned parameters did not reach high enough values to predict fracture occurrences, but interesting trends were highlighted with regards to the different loading conditions investigated. It was demonstrated that human body FE-model simulation studies can be useful for investigating the influence of different CPR related loading conditions on the risk of occurrences of rib and sternal fractures.