Chest Wall and Thoracic Surgery

Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest or sternum protrusion) is a common condition where the breastbone and ribs are pushed outwards due to excessive growth and structural abnormalities. There are typically minimal symptoms besides mild pain and tenderness, but the patient may suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image. Associated disorders can include scoliosis, kyphosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome or mitral valve prolapse. Diagnosis can be confirmed with a chest X-ray or electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This can be treated with bracing after a consultation with your doctor.

Pectus excavatum (funnel chest or sunken sternum) is caused when the sternum (breastbone) is abnormally pushed inward due to abnormal growth of the cartilage that attaches the sternum to the ribs. This can give the appearance of a potbelly, or, in some cases, the chest wall appears unequal. Many patients don’t have symptoms, but minor cases have mild breathing problems. Moderate to severe cases have trouble breathing and decreased lung capacity. Diagnosis can be confirmed with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, ECG or EKG and an echocardiogram. Minor cases can be treated non-surgically with a brace. Moderate to severe cases may require open or minimally invasive surgery.