Pectus Carinatum

Treatment

Most cases of pectus carinatum in children and adolescents can be treated with a customized brace that is worn for a year or more. Surgery to repair the deformity also may be recommended by your doctor to treat severe cases of pectus carinatum in children and older patients.

X-ray of pressure brace

Pressure Bracing Technique

Pediatric specialists at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota offer a special bracing technique to correct pectus carinatum deformities during adolescence. The brace slowly reconfigures the chest wall and corrects the deformity. It is custom-made for each patient. As the shape of the chest wall changes or the patient grows, the brace can be adjusted. Typically, bracing completely corrects the condition and eliminates the need for surgery.

The brace consists of compression plates that are positioned in the front and back of the chest and anchored by aluminum bars. Adjustable straps secure the brace in position and can be gradually adjusted to apply different levels of pressure to the chest. Patients have regular follow-up visits with their surgeon to monitor the bracing treatment.

Surgery

For older patients and children with severe cases of pectus carinatum, open chest surgery may be necessary. An incision is made in the center of the chest and short segments of abnormal cartilage next to the breastbone (sternum) are removed. The ribs are re-formed with small stainless steel wires so the chest is more normally shaped.

The length of hospital stay following surgery is typically three to four days, but pain and discomfort may last for several weeks. Mayo's treatment team members work together to ensure that the patient returns home with appropriate instructions for incision care, pain management, exercise and other daily activities.