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.
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