Brace compression for treatment of Pectus carinatum
| Background. |
| Surgery has been the classical treatment of pectus carinatum (PC), though compressive orthotic braces have shown successful results in recent years. We propose a non-operative approach using a lightweight, patient-controlled dynamic chest-bracing device. |
| Materials and Methods |
| Eighteen patients with PC were treated between July 2008 and June 2009. The treatment involved fitting of the brace, which was worn for at least 20 hours per day for 6 months. Their degree of satisfaction (1, no correction; 4, remarkable correction) was measured at 12 months after the initiation of the treatment. |
Fig. 3. These computed tomography scan images show three consecutive images taken from the same patient before, during, and after the recommended cycle of bracing treatment. A dramatic improvement in protrusion of chest wall is noted. (A) Before brace. (B) 2 months after brace. (C) 6 months after brace. Joonho Jung MD et al.
| Results |
| Thirteen (72.2%) patients completed the treatment (mean time, 4.9±1.4 months). In patients who completed the treatment, the mean overall satisfaction score was 3.73±0.39. The mean satisfaction score was 4, and there was no recurrence of pectus carinatum in patients who underwent the treatment for at least 6 months. Minimal recurrence of pectus carinatum after removal of the compressive brace occurred in 5 (38.5%) patients who stopped wearing the compressive brace at 4 months. |
| Conclusion |
| Compressive bracing results in a significant improvement in PC appearance in patients with an immature skeleton. However, patient compliance and diligent follow-up appear to be paramount for the success of this method of treatment. We currently offer this approach as a first-line treatment for PC. |
Also see
How is Pectus Carinatum Treated? in Pediatric Education
