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Pectus excavatum is a condition in which a person’s breastbone (the sternum) is sunken into his or her chest. In severe cases, pectus excavatum can look as if the centre of the chest has been scooped out, leaving a deep dent. It is a congenital deformity, also referred to as ‘sunken’ or ‘funnel’ chest.
Pectus excavatum is noticeable at birth, however, its severity tends to worsen during adolescent growth spurts.
More common in boys than girls, pectus excavatum in severe cases can interfere with the function of the heart and lungs. Mild cases may not impact your child’s health but they may make them feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Symptoms of Pectus Excavatum
For many people, pectus excavatum presents as a mild indentation in the chest. The depth of the indentation can worsen into adolescence and adulthood.
In severe cases, the breastbone may begin to interfere with the heart and lungs. Signs and symptoms of this may consist of:
- Heart murmur
- Chest pain
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Wheezing or coughing
What Causes Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus Excavatum is considered idiopathic, meaning any disease or condition that arises spontaneously for which the cause is unknown.
Whilst the cause of Pectus Excavatum may be unclear, it has been found to be more common in people with:
- Osteogenesis
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Marfan syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
How Can Children’s Orthotics Help?
At Children’s Orthotics, our paediatric orthotists will examine your child’s pectus excavatum and try to understand any potential causes. Whilst PE can be considered to be congenial, it can also be a result of biomechanical asymmetry, i.e. scoliosis. Our practitioners understand the importance of a holistic approach, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just symptoms of PE.
Through sound advice, correct device application and a physical therapy programme, our rounded approach aims to provide you and your child with the best treatment tailored to meet their needs.
What Types of Orthotic Might be Effective?
Dynamic Chest Compressor (DCC) - a custom made orthosis (or brace) that treats pectus deformity by applying pressure over areas of the skeleton to re-align the chest and rib bones. This is based on the concept that the bone tissue is a dynamic structure that can be remodelled according to external forces.
Specifically for PE, the dynamic compressor is applied to the ribs (a rib brace) in conjunction with a vacuum belt, placed over the depression in the chest. By creating a vacuum over the depression in the chest, an outwards pulling force is created.
What Might the Assessment Procedure Involve
Your orthotist will ask you questions about your child’s daily activities and medical history. The paediatric orthotist will undertake the necessary examinations, paying place attention to areas of concern. At this consultation, one of our clinicians will, among other things, take photographs, assess the flexibility of your child’s chest wall and take 3D scans.
Following this, your child’s treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. Any devices that are required will be fabricated using materials chosen specifically to meet their requirements and then a fitting session arranged. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that the treatment is effective and any adjustments can be made.
To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.