Pectus carinatum – FAQs

Pectus carinatum occurs in approximately 1 to 2 people in 3,000 and occurs more commonly in males.

Braceworks regularly treats patients with Pectus carinatum, according to The Calgary protocol for bracing Pectus carinatum, and have successfully treated over 5000 people since 1992.

Correcting the deformity improves posture and self-image. In addition, treatment may also improve cardio-pulmonary function in more severe cases.

The Braceworks Pectus Brace^® corrects the alignment of the sternum in much the same way as orthodontic braces work to correct the alignment of teeth. The brace is a very low profile device consisting of a compression pad anchored to a light-weight, aluminum bar on the front section attached to a comfortable soft back section. The front and back sections are connected at the sides by small adjustable ratcheting buckles.

The brace is worn discreetly under clothing up to 12 hours a day during the initial stage of treatment to correct the deformity. Then, wearing time is reduced to 8 hours per day, usually at night, until you reach your full height. You will be taught how to adjust the tension of the brace to maintain gentle pressure as the deformity is corrected. Parents easily learn to check if adequate pressure is being applied. Your Physician will monitor your progress at regular intervals over the course of treatment.

Most patients experience no discomfort wearing the Braceworks Pectus Brace^®, unless they adjust the brace too tightly – causing skin irritation. Sleeping on your front during the correction phase of treatment when the brace must be worn 12 hours/day for 7 days/week may also be uncomfortable.

No. The discomfort of excessive pressure causes skin irritation that prevents this from happening.

The optimal time to brace is during early teenage growth when the deformity is mild to moderate and the chest wall is flexible.

While visible improvements are noticeable within weeks, correction is generally completed within the first 4 to 8 months of treatment wearing the brace 23 hours/day. Factors that affect the rate of correction include age (i.e., the older you are, the longer it takes) and stage of growth and development (i.e., the earlier you have a growth spurt, the shorter the correction phase).

Yes. The correction phase is followed by a maintenance phase.

Your Physician will determine the appropriate time to transition from the initial correction phase to the maintenance phase. You physician will determine when to discontinue bracing but will generally wait until you have finished growing with height measurements stable for 2 measurements taken at 6-month intervals.

Yes. You can continue with all your normal activities including sports although we don’t recommend wearing the Braceworks Pectus Brace^® during contact sports or other activities, such as snowboarding in a terrain park where there may be a risk of impact from falling.

Absolutely! Wearing the brace after the deformity is corrected is key to holding the sternum in alignment. This prevents your sternum from drifting back and the deformity re-emerging. The longer you wear the brace, the better your chances are that your sternum will remain in proper alignment.

Until you have finished growing, there is a risk of the deformity recurring so you must continue to wear your brace diligently 8 hours per day or night. The deformity will recede again when you resume wearing the brace, as prescribed.

The ideal time to consider treating the deformity is during the early teenage years. The effectiveness of bracing for adults is a subject for further research.

There are two, one-hour appointments. The first appointment is to review your diagnosis and prescription, assess your condition and take your measurements for the brace. The second appointment is to fit the Braceworks Pectus Brace^® and review the wearing instructions.

If you have problems with the deformity, contact you Physician. If you have problems with the brace, contact Braceworks, phone 403-240-9100 or email.

Treatment, according to the The Calgary Protocol, is available with the help of Physicians in Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and selected clinics worldwide.

Find a doctor – The Calgary Protocol for bracing of pectus carinatum

We are actively recruiting Physicians worldwide to improve accessibility and availability of the Braceworks Pectus Brace^®. Please see your Family Physician for a referral to a Thoracic Surgeon and ask them to follow up directly with us.

Yes. We can help coordinate an appointment in Calgary for you with Dr. Steven Lopushinsky for a diagnosis and prescription, at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Non-residents of Alberta are charged a fee by Alberta Health Services for a consultation, which includes all laboratory and x-rays required. Additional fees may apply if CT and MRI scans are required.

The total cost of the Braceworks Pectus Brace^® in Canada is $1,325.00 CAD. Fees outside Canada are $1,425.00 USD. Costs include all appointments and routine clinical fees.

Public insurance varies from one jurisdiction to another so you have to enquire with your particular paying agencies. We would be pleased to assist you by providing a detailed estimate including a description of the procedure for pre-approval by your public or private insurer provider.

I have been denied access to this treatment and offered an inferior alternative. I have been informed the Braceworks Pectus Brace^® is not covered by public insurance in my area.

Exercise your rights. Be aware that you are entitled to be informed of all your treatment options. You have the responsibility to choose the treatment option that best meets your needs—which may not always align with the needs of institutions.

Yes. There are a couple of reasons we require a prescription. First, the Braceworks Pectus Brace^® must be used under the supervision of a qualified medical professional in accordance with The Calgary Protocol.

You may also be required to submit a copy of the prescription with any claim for public or private insurance.

Your Physician will monitor your progress at regular intervals during the correction phase and less frequently during the maintenance phase.

Total treatment time from the beginning of the correction phase to the end of the maintenance phase varies between patients depending on a number of factors, including age. The younger the patient, the longer the treatment time. The older the patient, the shorter the treatment time. Duration is generally in the range of 2 to 4 years.

You need a diagnosis of Pectus carinatum and a prescription for the Braceworks Pectus Brace^® from a qualified medical professional.

Appointments are typically available within 2 weeks. Phone Braceworks 403-240-9100, or email.