Pectus excavatum (shoemaker's chest) constitutes the majority of congenital (congenital) deformities of the chest wall, while Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) is the second.
What are Chest Wall Deformities?
Pectus Excavatum (Shoemaker's Chest): It is the posterior depression of the sternum and cartilage ribs. It is seen 2-4 times more in men.
Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest): In this deformity, anterior protrusion occurs in the anterior chest wall. It is also among the congenital deformities of the chest wall.
How to Diagnose in Chest Wall Deformities?
Most children's deformities are noticed by their parents before they are 1 year old. In children, there is a collapse or protrusion of the chest wall. The cases are diagnosed by bidirectional direct chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT). In addition, ECG, ECO, and Pulmonary Function Tests measure the rate of involvement of the heart and lungs due to structural disorders.
What are the Complaints in Chest Wall Deformities?
In most of the cases in childhood, there are no complaints other than cosmetic disorders. In advanced ages;
- Pain on the anterior chest wall, ribs and left breast area with exertion
- Pattern in the heart after exertion
- Deterioration in heart rhythm and murmur are observed.
How to Treat Chest Wall Deformities?
Surgical treatment suitable for each deformity is preferred. Surgical approaches can be classified as open or closed. Although open surgeries are frequently used, closed surgical methods have come to the fore in recent years. Poland syndrome, on the other hand, can be corrected cosmetically by performing tissue correction operations that are a little more comprehensive and with the support of aesthetic/plastic surgeon, since there are muscle and cartilage tissue deficiencies on the basis of it.
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