How to treat pectus carinatum?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a typical chest deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. There are various causes for pigeon chest, such as rickets due to vitamin D deficiency, and some hereditary metabolic diseases may also lead to bone development malformations like pigeon chest. If pigeon chest is caused by rickets, it is necessary to supplement adequate vitamin D, engage in appropriate outdoor activities, and receive sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light. Additionally, mild cases of pigeon chest can be treated with pediatric rehabilitation using active or passive methods for correction. In severe cases of chest deformity, surgical correction may be required. Generally, there are no effective solutions for hereditary diseases, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms accordingly. Therefore, if a child is suspected of having pigeon chest, it is advised to consult a specialist at a hospital to assess the child's condition and provide corresponding treatment.

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Written by Fang Da Zheng
Orthopedics
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The difference between rib flare and pigeon chest

The main difference between rib flaring and pigeon chest is that the former is caused by soft tissue pathology around the thoracic cage, while the latter is due to a bony deformity of the thoracic cage. Patients with rib flaring often have very thin muscles around the thoracic cage due to poor posture, such as excessive abdominal tucking or long-term dieting, which leads to a very prominent thoracic cage when standing. Pigeon chest, on the other hand, is due to severe malnutrition during the patient's growth and development phase, which leads to the anteroposterior diameter of the thoracic cage being larger relative to the mediolateral diameter. In this case, the patient will exhibit a noticeably protruding thoracic cage, especially at the front.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Treatment methods for pigeon chest in children

When discussing treatment methods for children with pectus carinatum, it's important to consider the severity of the condition. Generally, mild to moderate cases do not require special treatment. For children under 18, most can wear a chest orthosis to correct the condition. Many people achieve good results after wearing it. However, some severe cases of pectus carinatum may compress the heart and lungs, causing cardiopulmonary dysfunction, and surgical treatment should be considered. Current surgical methods for pectus carinatum are minimally invasive, and generally, patients recover well postoperatively. Therefore, the treatment method for pectus carinatum should be determined based on the actual situation.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Symptoms of pigeon chest in children

Most cases of pectus carinatum in children are quite clear and often show no symptoms. Visually, the child's chest will protrude forward. In some severe cases, pectus carinatum can cause compression of pulmonary edema, thereby affecting the child's cardiopulmonary function, resulting in poor physical stamina, symptoms like chest tightness, palpitations, and shortness of breath after activities. However, in most cases, patients with pectus carinatum may not show any symptoms, with only visible changes in appearance.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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How to recover from pigeon chest in children?

Childhood pectus carinatum is a common clinical condition, primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D leading to metabolic bone disease. Its characteristics are mainly manifested by the protrusion of the sternum and flattening of the chest walls on both sides. There are several treatment methods available: First, supplement children with calcium tablets and vitamin D, promptly administer these medications, and encourage exposure to sunlight and outdoor activities during the growth process, which is beneficial for bone calcium absorption. Additionally, the child should wear a brace specifically for pectus carinatum. The brace compresses the chest cavity, causing it to protrude upward. After wearing the brace for a period, the protruding chest can show improvement. If previous treatment methods are ineffective and severe sternal deformities still occur, surgical treatment at a specialized hospital may be necessary. In daily life, the child should be cautious about their posture and body position, avoiding rolling, bending, and similar actions as much as possible to facilitate a quicker recovery.

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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.