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What is Pectus Carinatum/Pigeon Chest?
Pectus carinatum, often nicknamed "pigeon chest" due to it's appearance is the second most common chest wall deformity, affecting roughly 1 in 1,000 children. It occurs from overgrowth of the costal cartilage, pushing the sternum outwards and creating a protrusion of the chest. This typically becomes most noticeable during the teenage growth spurt, between the ages of 11 and 17.
While pectus carinatum doesn't directly affect the cardiovascular or respiratory systems, its impact on mental and emotional well-being can be profound. Imagine the burden of increasing self-consciousness, embarrassment, anxiety, and even depression. Social isolation, poor body image, and a lowered quality of life are all too common experiences for individuals with this deformity
Who is suitable?
People aged 11-17 who have been diagnosed with Pectus carinatum. During these ages the cartilage in the chest wall is still flexible and will respond and reshape with the appropriate forces as applied by a brace.
Will Bracing Work For Me?
For bracing to be effective a correct diagnosis of Pectus Carinatum is required.
If you suspect your child has pectus carinatum it is best to consult your GP. They will examine your child and may refer you to a paediatric surgeon for further evaluation. Diagnosis is confirmed through visual inspection or an X-ray. Sometimes additional assessments of your child's lung function is necessary. Pectus carinatum can sometimes occur alongside other conditions, so your child will need to be evaluated for these as well.
How Bracing Works?
Compression bracing can be introduced as a conservative treatment for pectus carinatum due to the flexible nature of the chest during adolescence. Through bracing the natural shape of the chest can be restored to normal position by applying external compression to the sternum and costal cartilage.
Bracing works through adjustable fasteners that allow the patient to control the pressure. This allows pressure over the most prominent point of the protrusion to stimulate remodeling of bone and cartilage.
Medicare or Private health Insurance?
Unfortunately due to the cosmetic nature of pectus carinatum it is not covered or subsidised by Medicare or private health insurance.