Pectus Excavatum Care & Treatment
Pectus excavatum is a condition in which the breastbone is sunken into the chest. Our expert team provides clear diagnosis, compassionate guidance, and advanced treatment options tailored to your child’s needs.
Introduction to Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum, commonly referred to as “funnel chest,” is the most common congenital chest wall deformity. It occurs when the ribs and sternum (breastbone) grow abnormally, causing the chest to cave inward. While some cases are mild and primarily cosmetic, moderate to severe cases can compress the heart and lungs, leading to physical limitations and discomfort.
At KIDS Orthopedics and Chest Care, we understand that a pectus excavatum diagnosis can be overwhelming for families. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the condition, its anticipated clinical course, and the most effective, personalized treatment options available for your child.
Meet Dr. Abdullah
Dr. Abdullah is the premier national expert in chest wall surgery and has performed more chest wall surgeries than any other surgeon in the Midwest over the last decade. With more than 20 years in practice and as a Chicago Top Doctor award winner for four years, Dr. Abdullah leads KIDS Orthopedics and Chest Care with experience, precision, and dedication.
Our team has evaluated thousands of children with chest deformities. In many cases, we are able to clearly explain the diagnosis and anticipate the clinical course of the condition, giving families clarity and confidence in their next steps.
Signs and Symptoms
Physical Appearance
Respiratory and Cardiac Effects
Psychological Impact
Types of Pectus Excavatum
Mild, Moderate, and Severe
Pectus excavatum severity is measured using the Haller Index, which compares the chest’s width to its depth. A normal value is around 2.5 or less. Mild cases usually require monitoring, while moderate to severe cases (above 3.25) may need medical or surgical treatment to reduce pressure on internal organs.
Symmetric vs. Asymmetric
Pectus excavatum can present symmetrically, where the indentation is perfectly centered, or asymmetrically, where the depression is deeper on one side (usually the right). Dr. Abdullah's extensive experience ensures that even the most complex, asymmetric deformities are treated with precision for optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Most evaluations begin with a thorough, non-invasive physical exam. Dr. Abdullah and our team will assess the depth of the indentation, the flexibility of the chest wall, and the patient’s overall posture and physical development. We also utilize 3D surface scanning and traditional photography to document the condition accurately.
Imaging Tests
To fully understand the internal impact of the deformity, imaging tests may be required. We prioritize MRI imaging over CT scans whenever possible to assess the internal structure, measure the Haller Index, and evaluate any compression on the heart and lungs without exposing your child to unnecessary radiation.
Treatment Options
Treatment decisions are tailored to each child’s development and specific condition.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Surgical Treatment
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