Condition

Pediatric Pectus Excavatum

What is pectus excavatum?

Pectus excavatum (sometimes called cobbler's chest, sunken chest or funnel chest) is the most common chest deformity, affecting between 1 in 300 and 1 in 500 adolescents. It is caused when several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally, which produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. Pectus excavatum is usually congenital (present at birth) and can get worse during the early teenage years, a time when bones grow rapidly. Because it affects the appearance of children, pectus excavatum can cause psychological and social problems. Moreover, it can hamper the ability of the heart and lungs to function normally, and can cause pain in the chest, back and elsewhere.

Appointments

Our team is standing by to schedule your child’s appointment.

Make an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the treatment for pectus excavatum in children?

In moderate and severe cases, pectus excavatum may require surgery, which has proven very effective at correcting the condition and its psychological and physical effects. The most common types of operations are the Nuss procedure and the Ravitch technique. Children’s National Hospital's team of experts in the Chest Wall Defects Program can help families determine the best treatment option for their child.

What is the thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for children?

The Nuss procedure is more popular because it requires much smaller incisions and is minimally invasive. Surgeons make two incisions on either side of the chest, through which they insert a curved steel bar under the sternum. The surgeons flip the bar so it pushes outward on the sternum. The bar usually stays in the body for about two years. When the bones have solidified into place, the bar is removed during a same-day operation.

Ravitch technique

Using the Ravitch technique, surgeons create an incision along the chest, through which they remove cartilage and detach the sternum. They then implant a small bar beneath the sternum to raise and hold it up in the desired position. The bar is left in position until the cartilage grows back, and can support the chest in a normal position. That usually takes about one to two years. The bar is then removed during a same-day operation.

Providers Who Treat Pectus Excavatum

Timothy Dennis Kane, MD

Division Chief, General and Thoracic Surgery

Full Profile

Timothy Dennis Kane, MD

Locations

Departments

View Full Profile

Mikael Petrosyan, MD, MBA

Associate Chief, General and Thoracic Surgery
Director, Pediatric Surgery Fellowship

Full Profile

Mikael Petrosyan, MD, MBA

Locations

Departments

View Full Profile

Jul 22, 2024
Helping Maddie to Live Life to the Fullest
Maddie is a lively, creative teen who loves to act. Research at Children's National Hospital helps to ensure that her rare disease doesn"t upstage her big theater plans or her love of life.

Jun 27, 2024
Convenient Care for Charlotte
When Charlotte was a toddler, a respiratory illness led to a diagnosis of a rare and dangerous immune deficiency called ICF syndrome. A bone marrow transplant at age 5 at Children’s National helped save her life.
Jun 24, 2024
Aasha's Rare Gift Will Help Other Babies Grow up Healthy
Testing the descrption field
Jun 24, 2024
Kendric Reclaims His Future
Kendric description override
Jun 24, 2024
Reese Conquers Her Fears with Expert Care
Reese override description for listing...
May 20, 2024
Omid Conquers Fear with Music
Omid never liked going to the dentist. Dr. Aleger changed that with a little trust, and his favorite tunes.

Departments that Treat Pectus Excavatum

Chest Wall Defects Program

Although chest wall abnormalities are actually quite common in children, Children’s National’s team of pediatric specialists have the experience to accurately diagnose the condition and understand how treatment affects a child who is still growing.