Our surgeons have expertise in repairing chest wall deformities, which is the abnormal development and appearance of the chest that can be developed at birth or during puberty. Two of the most common chest wall deformities are pectus excavatum (sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (pigeon chest).

Our general surgeons collaborate with a team in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, plastic surgery, radiology, cardiology, pulmonary and pain management, who consult with patients and families to customize and individualize care.

Pectus Excavatum (sunken chest)

Pectus excavatum is the most common deformity of the front wall of the chest, where several ribs and the breastbone grow abnormally. This produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest that can either be present at birth or can develop during puberty.

If your child has a severe deformity and is experiencing symptoms that include: chest pain, lack of endurance, shortness of breath, asthma-like symptoms or scoliosis, surgery may be the best treatment option. Common surgical treatments include:

  • Nuss Procedure – A minimally invasive surgical treatment that involves reshaping the chest wall by passing a strong metal bar across the chest and under the breastbone. This significantly improves a patients’ ability to breathe and exercise within a few months.
  • Ravitch Procedure – A surgical treatment that involves making an incision across the chest and removing abnormal rib cartilage in which new cartilage will grow correcting the position of the breastbone within four to six weeks.

Pectus Carinatum (pigeon chest)

Pectus Carinatum is a chest deformity characterized by the protruding of the breastbone and ribs. Treatments include: 

  • Compression Brace – A custom made compression brace allows the protruding chest wall to be reduced without surgery and corrects the chest wall within three to six months.
  • Ravitch Procedure – A surgical treatment that involves making an incision across the chest and removing abnormal rib cartilage in which new cartilage will grow correcting the position of the breastbone within four to six weeks.