Pediatrix Pectus Excavatum and Chest Wall Management Program

The Pediatrix Pectus and Chest Wall Management Program offers comprehensive treatments for pectus excavatum, a condition characterized by an abnormal growth of the chest wall. A highly experienced pediatric surgeon specializing in chest wall abnormalities performs a thorough assessment. Assessments involve examining the patient’s medical history, performing a physical examination and ordering additional tests, if necessary.  

Bracing for pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)

• Children’s chest walls are often flexible and pliable through adolescence. If identified early, most pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) can be corrected with bracing alone, avoiding surgery.
• However, not all braces are made the same. We use a customized brace called the Dynamic Compression System (DCS). This brace allows us to apply concentrated external pressure on the area of the chest with the most significant protrusion.  
• The latest technology is used to custom fit each of our braces to the patient’s pectus carinatum and body shape. This customization allows for a comfortable fit and a higher treatment success rate.
• A customized treatment plan is developed for each patient based on their pectus carinatum size and shape. Throughout the bracing process, each patient receives regular follow-up visits with our team, allowing for individualized adjustments to the pressure applied by the brace and the best outcomes.  
• We can achieve complete correction of pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) by bracing alone and avoid surgical intervention in most patients.    

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (pigeon chest)

• Not all patients with pectus excavatum require surgery. However, some patients have a severe abnormality that leads to physical symptoms, functional limitations and/or psychosocial impact stemming from their body image. For these patients, we offer the most advanced techniques for surgical repair.
• Using a minimally invasive approach with small incisions, we can place a metal bar behind the sternum to elevate the chest wall and correct the pectus excavatum. Advanced pain management techniques, like cryoablation, are used to assist with recovery from surgery. Pain management also allows for a shorter stay in the hospital with a decreased need for narcotic pain medications.

Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) can cause various physical symptoms and functional limitations. In severe cases, they can compress the heart and lungs, decreasing cardiovascular efficiency and lung capacity and resulting in shortness of breath, reduced stamina and decreased physical performance. Correcting the chest wall abnormality may alleviate these physical limitations, allowing patients to breathe more easily and improve their overall physical well-being.

The appearance of the chest can significantly affect an individual’s self-esteem and body image. Patients with pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) may feel self-conscious about their chest abnormality, leading to embarrassment, social anxiety and even depression. Restoring the chest can help improve body confidence and psychological well-being, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable with their bodies and engage more confidently in social interactions.

Chest abnormalities can sometimes draw unwanted attention and result in social stigmatization, particularly during adolescence when body image becomes an important aspect of peer acceptance. Young patients may feel insecure about their appearance and avoid activities, such as swimming or participating in athletics and other physical activities at school, which can further affect their social interactions and overall quality of life. Correcting these chest abnormalities can help them feel more accepted and comfortable among peers, reducing social barriers and promoting a sense of belonging.

Beyond the aesthetic aspects, correction of chest wall abnormalities can also improve functional limitations. For instance, in cases of pectus excavatum, corrective surgery may improve associated symptoms, exercise tolerance and overall physical function. These functional improvements can positively impact a child’s life through athletic participation, physical activities and overall physical fitness.