What is Pectus Carinatum?

Pectus carinatum is a condition of the chest wall in which the sternum and rib cartilage protrude outward. It occurs more often in boys and typically becomes more pronounced during early adolescence.

There are many treatment options for pectus carinatum, including non-surgical bracing and surgery. CHKD’s Nuss Center is renowned for treating deformities of the chest wall and can help you select the best treatment option for your child based on his or her specific needs.

The Dynamic Compression Brace

In 2009, CHKD began to offer the Dynamic Compression Brace. This brace, developed in Argentina is more comfortable for children to wear and avoids the skin breakdown that occurs with traditional braces. With the brace, our young patients are more inclined not to abandon treatment.

The Dynamic Compression Brace uses a precise amount of pressure needed to reshape the chest without causing skin breakdown or so much discomfort that the child will not wear the brace. A special device measures the pounds per square inch (psi) that the brace exerts, which is adjusted monthly as the chest slowly assumes a normal shape.

The Dynamic Compression Brace is not a good alternative for young people who require more than 7.5 psi compression to achieve correction.

Minimally Invasive Pectus Carinatum Surgery at CHKD