Pectus excavatum

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Late-stage symptoms of rickets pigeon chest

If a child has developed rickets and has already shown deformities such as pigeon chest, this indicates that the child is in the later stages of the active phase, meaning that a clear skeletal deformity has occurred. As the child ages, there may also be deformities in the lower limbs as the child begins to stand and walk, such as bowlegs or knock-knees, or a K-shaped leg deformity. Gradually, the child will enter the sequelae phase, which is more common in children over the age of two. In infancy, due to severe rickets, different skeletal deformities may remain without any other clinical symptoms. Blood biochemical indicators are normal, and X-ray examinations will show that the pathological changes at the epiphyseal ends of the bones have disappeared. Generally, no treatment is required, but if there are obvious deformities, corrective treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Can moderate pigeon chest in children be corrected?

Can mild pectus carinatum in children be corrected? Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is the second most common chest deformity encountered, after funnel chest. As the name suggests, pigeon chest refers to a protrusion of the sternum in the center, similar to the chest of a chicken or pigeon, where the sternum protrudes forward. This protrusion, to draw an analogy, is like a tree. This young sapling has already grown crooked. You cannot straighten it by fertilizing or any other means. Correction is only possible through procedures such as orthotic braces or compression, or more directly and effectively through surgical intervention. Surgery is the most straightforward and immediately impactful treatment method.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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How to correct pigeon chest in children

Treatment should be decided based on the specific condition of the child's pigeon chest. For mild to moderate pigeon chest, especially in children, where there is no compression on the heart and lungs, conservative treatment should generally be considered. The best method for correction is to pay attention to posture and engage in appropriate physical exercise. Additionally, a thoracic orthotic can be used; the effects of wearing a thoracic orthotic for correcting mild to moderate pigeon chest are generally quite positive. For severe pigeon chest, particularly when there is compression affecting the heart and lungs and thus impacting cardiac and pulmonary function, surgical treatment should be considered to correct the severe pigeon chest.

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Written by Mo Ming Hua
Pediatrics
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The difference between rickets and pigeon chest.

The difference between rickets and pigeon chest: Pigeon chest is a symptom of rickets; rickets is mainly caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium, leading to disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. During the acute phase of rickets, when skeletal changes occur, this condition can easily cause deformities in the patient's chest. The pigeon chest deformity is one of the symptoms of rickets. That is to say, pigeon chest is a symptom of rickets, not a disease itself.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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The difference between pigeon chest and funnel chest

Pigeon chest is a common thoracic deformity characterized by a protruding sternum, generally believed to be related to genetics, and most consider it caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilage. The deformity of the sternum is secondary to the deformity of the ribs. Funnel chest, on the other hand, refers to the inward concavity of the lower part of the sternum, along with the neighboring ribs and costal cartilages, forming a funnel-like appearance, a type of congenital thoracic deformity more common in males than females. The etiology of funnel chest is relatively complex; it might involve the gradual worsening of the sternum being pulled at various levels during growth and development. It could also be due to excessive growth of the ribs on both sides, pressing the sternum backward, leading to the formation of funnel chest. Some also consider it a sex-linked dominant hereditary disease. The thoracic deformity in pigeon chest primarily protrudes outward, whereas in funnel chest, it concaves inward, and the causes are also different.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to determine if a baby has pigeon chest

Pectus carinatum, commonly referred to as pigeon chest, is a manifestation of the skeletal sequelae of rickets in children, where the sternum protrudes outward. To examine for pigeon chest, one commonly uses the hand to feel from top to bottom; if the sternum is noticeably protruding from the surface, then pigeon chest may be considered. This condition is a sequelae caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D. If this is the case, it is essential to visit a pediatric care, growth and development, or general pediatric outpatient clinic, where a pediatrician can confirm the diagnosis. If pigeon chest is confirmed, blood tests to measure Vitamin D levels should be conducted for infants. For older children, appropriate calcium supplementation and exercises to expand the chest should also be considered.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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What department should I go to at the children's hospital for chickenpox?

If children have pectus carinatum and need treatment, it is necessary to check if the children's hospital has a specialized thoracic surgery department. If there is a pediatric thoracic surgery department, one can make an appointment there. Generally, for mild cases of pectus carinatum, children do not need surgery and can undergo conservative treatment, such as having a custom chest orthosis made. Wearing the chest orthosis can correct the condition. If the pectus carinatum is severe, and the child is over four years old, then surgery can be considered in the thoracic surgery department. Therefore, for pectus carinatum, appointments need to be made with the thoracic surgery department at a children's hospital.

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Written by Hu Xiao Cui
Nutrition Science
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Will chicken breast caused by calcium deficiency improve after calcium supplementation?

Children lacking Vitamin D can manifest various symptoms of rickets due to calcium deficiency, including pigeon chest, beading of the ribs, X-shaped legs, O-shaped legs, and square skull. As long as these are identified early, by supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium and ensuring comprehensive nutrition, children can return to normal growth and development. With age and appropriate physical exercise, these skeletal abnormalities can gradually improve and generally do not leave lasting effects.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What should be done about pigeon chest in children?

Childhood pigeon chest, also known as rickets, is caused by a deficiency in Vitamin D or calcium, leading to bone development issues. If pigeon chest is suspected, it is advised to visit a hospital for a detailed examination and receive treatment accordingly. If the pigeon chest is quite pronounced and there is significant deformity of the chest wall, rehabilitation or correction can be sought in relevant medical departments. Rickets is typically active before the age of 3, and stabilizes after this age. Treatment primarily focuses on addressing rickets in cases identified before the age of 3, and correcting deformities in cases identified afterwards.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What does chicken breast mean?

Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a frequent chest wall deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. It can occur similarly to rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency, where an indentation at the junction of the 6th to 8th ribs and the sternum causes the sternum to jut out, forming a pigeon chest. Pigeon chest is generally considered to be linked to genetics and is often caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilages, leading to deformities in the sternum and subsequently the ribs. Beyond causing psychological distress and affecting personality, pigeon chest can also impact respiratory and circulatory functions. In cases where the condition reaches a particular severity, surgical correction may be necessary. Correction during adolescence is ideal for mild to severe cases of pigeon chest. If parents notice any abnormalities in their child's chest wall, it is advisable to seek medical consultation to determine the need and approach for treatment.