Orthotic bracing in the treatment of Pectus carinatum

Orthotic brace used in the treatment of Pectus carinatum, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis Missouri.

Abstract.

Purpose of review.

Pectus carinatum has been termed the under-treated chest wall deformity. Recent advances in patient evaluation and management, including the development of nonoperative bracing protocols, have improved the care of children with this condition.

Recent findings

Recent evidence confirms that children with pectus carinatum have a disturbed body image and a reduced quality of life. Treatment has been shown to improve the psychosocial outcome of these patients.

Summary

Patients with pectus carinatum are at risk for a disturbed body image and reduced quality of life. Until recently, treatment required surgical reconstruction.

A growing body of literature, however, now supports the use of orthotic bracing as a non-operative alternative in select patients. This article reviews the current literature and describes the evaluation and management of children with pectus carinatum deformity.

References

Pectus Carinatum, Desmarais, Thomas J; Keller, Martin S. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, June 2013 Volume 25 Issue 3 p 375–381 doi: 10.1097/MOP.0b013e3283604088