Pectus Carinatum
This is a congenital deformity where the sternal bone and costal cartilages protrude outward. It may initially be mild and gradually worsen as the child grows. Often presenting in teenage years due to the cosmetic and psychologiocal disturbance it causes.
Pectus Brace
Thankfully treatment is now readily available from a young age. This is because the treatment is non-invasive and carries no risk and therefore can be started at a young age. The brace is custom made to each individual case and requires specialised 3D scanning.
Treatment
In Malta we perform the Pectus Up sub-pectoral bar operation. It involves a plate with screws and a bar inserted on the outside of the ribs and sternum. This avoids entering the chest cavity and therefore has no risk to the heart and lungs beneath.
Pectus Excavatum
This is when the breat bone (sternum) is dipping inward with anterior ribs that curve inward toward the spine. It creates a funnel chest which can compress the heart and lungs. This can lead to breathing difficuly and increased risk of heart diesease and lung problems.
Usually present since birth, however becomes more noticable at puberty and will get worse during adolescent growth spurt.
Dr David Sladden
Consultant Heart and Lung Surgeon
Mater Dei Hospital, St James Hospital, St Thomas Hospital