Pectus excavatum
From Free net encyclopedia
Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox |
ICD9 = Template:ICD9 |
}} Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity (present at birth) that causes the sternum to be depressed into the chest causing a "caved-in" or sunken look.
The deformity is often incorrectly considered by doctors to be a cosmetic rather than functional problem, but recent studies have shown pectus excavatum to cause decreased cardiac and respiratory function, and sometimes pain in the chest and back.[1] Untreated patients, especially youths, can experience negative psychosocial effects throughout their lives, avoiding activities where a shirt is not worn.
The condition usually progresses during the time of rapid bone growth in the early teenage years. Estimates for the prevalence of this condition range from one in 150 to 1000 children. Though the cause is not certain, the male/female ratio is 3 to 1, and occurences of the condition in family members have been reported in 35% to 45% of cases.[2] [3] These features suggest a genetic component may be involved, although some authorities believe the condition occurs in a sporadic fashion.[4]
Pectus excavatum is sometimes referred to as "cobbler's chest", "funnel chest", "sunken chest", or "chest bowl".
Treatment
Surgical correction has been shown to repair any functional symptoms that may occurr in the condition, such as respiratory problems, provided that permanent damage has not already arisen from an extremely severe case.[5]
The Ravitch technique is an invasive surgery that was developed in the 1950s to treat the condition. It involves cracking the ribs along the sternum, and reshaping the breastbone, cartilage, and ribs. It is usually kept in place with an apparatus worn around the chest. This method, because it is so invasive, is usually only recommended for adults or teenagers whose sternum has already hardened.
Since then, Dr. Donald Nuss, based at Children's Hospital King Daughters (CHKD), in Norfolk, Virginia has developed a technique that is minimally invasive. The Nuss procedure involves slipping in one or more concave steel bars into the chest, underneath the sternum. The bar is flipped to a convex position so as to push outward on the sternum, correcting the deformity. The bar usually stays in the body for about two years, and when the bones have solidified into place, the bar is removed through outpatient surgery.
Pectus excavatum can also reportedly be treated with a dermal filler called Bio-Alcamid®.
Mild cases have reportedly been treated with corset-like orthopedic support vests and exercise. [6]
See also
External links
- CHKD: Nuss Procedure for Pectus Excavatum
- eMedicine - Pectus Excavatum : Article by Andre Hebra, MD
- UK Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum Information
- http://www.lorenzsurgical.com/PE_correction_DE.html
- Pectus Excavatum - Genetic and Nutritional Factors
- Pectus Excavatum Information and Message Board
- Felix Schier, Michael Bahr, Eckard Klobe: The vacuum chest wall lifter: an innovative, nonsurgical addition to the management of pectus excavatumnext term
- Sunken chest affects aerobic fitness
- Pectus Ireland
de:Trichterbrust es:Pectus excavatum pl:Klatka piersiowa lejkowata fi:Kuopparinta sv:Pectus excavatum