The authors in their two cases describe unusual complication after successful indirect cardiac massage which was carried out in terrain. Both patients were then transferred to Dept. of gerontology and metabolic care. However the resuscitation was in both cases successful it caused in these two cachectic oseoporotic patients sternal and costal en block fractures. This iatrogenic trauma of thoracic wall showed up in further cause as a major problem. The patients could not have been disconnected from artificial support of ventilation and therefore their thoracic cage had to be surgically stabilized.

        Key words: thoracic wall instability – respiratory insufficiency – indirect cardiac massage – sternal fracture – costal en block fracture