How to correct pigeon chest

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a frequent chest wall deformity characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs. It is generally considered to be related to genetics, with most cases thought to be caused by the excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilages. The skeletal deformation is secondary to the abnormalities in the ribs. Vitamin D deficiency rickets can also lead to the development of pigeon chest. If there is no significant deformation of the chest wall, and only a mild deformity is present, rehabilitative treatment can be effective. Rehabilitation departments offer standard recovery treatments that can be beneficial. Severe cases of pigeon chest may require surgical correction, ideally during adolescence for moderate to severe conditions. Therefore, if a child has pigeon chest, it is recommended to seek medical advice at a hospital, where doctors can determine the treatment approach based on the specific conditions of the child.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 6sec home-news-image

How to treat pectus carinatum?

Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a typical chest deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. There are various causes for pigeon chest, such as rickets due to vitamin D deficiency, and some hereditary metabolic diseases may also lead to bone development malformations like pigeon chest. If pigeon chest is caused by rickets, it is necessary to supplement adequate vitamin D, engage in appropriate outdoor activities, and receive sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light. Additionally, mild cases of pigeon chest can be treated with pediatric rehabilitation using active or passive methods for correction. In severe cases of chest deformity, surgical correction may be required. Generally, there are no effective solutions for hereditary diseases, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms accordingly. Therefore, if a child is suspected of having pigeon chest, it is advised to consult a specialist at a hospital to assess the child's condition and provide corresponding treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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The difference between pigeon chest and funnel chest

Pigeon chest is a common thoracic deformity characterized by a protruding sternum, generally believed to be related to genetics, and most consider it caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilage. The deformity of the sternum is secondary to the deformity of the ribs. Funnel chest, on the other hand, refers to the inward concavity of the lower part of the sternum, along with the neighboring ribs and costal cartilages, forming a funnel-like appearance, a type of congenital thoracic deformity more common in males than females. The etiology of funnel chest is relatively complex; it might involve the gradual worsening of the sternum being pulled at various levels during growth and development. It could also be due to excessive growth of the ribs on both sides, pressing the sternum backward, leading to the formation of funnel chest. Some also consider it a sex-linked dominant hereditary disease. The thoracic deformity in pigeon chest primarily protrudes outward, whereas in funnel chest, it concaves inward, and the causes are also different.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What does chicken breast mean?

Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a frequent chest wall deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. It can occur similarly to rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency, where an indentation at the junction of the 6th to 8th ribs and the sternum causes the sternum to jut out, forming a pigeon chest. Pigeon chest is generally considered to be linked to genetics and is often caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilages, leading to deformities in the sternum and subsequently the ribs. Beyond causing psychological distress and affecting personality, pigeon chest can also impact respiratory and circulatory functions. In cases where the condition reaches a particular severity, surgical correction may be necessary. Correction during adolescence is ideal for mild to severe cases of pigeon chest. If parents notice any abnormalities in their child's chest wall, it is advisable to seek medical consultation to determine the need and approach for treatment.

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Written by Fang Da Zheng
Orthopedics
47sec home-news-image

The difference between rib flare and pigeon chest

The main difference between rib flaring and pigeon chest is that the former is caused by soft tissue pathology around the thoracic cage, while the latter is due to a bony deformity of the thoracic cage. Patients with rib flaring often have very thin muscles around the thoracic cage due to poor posture, such as excessive abdominal tucking or long-term dieting, which leads to a very prominent thoracic cage when standing. Pigeon chest, on the other hand, is due to severe malnutrition during the patient's growth and development phase, which leads to the anteroposterior diameter of the thoracic cage being larger relative to the mediolateral diameter. In this case, the patient will exhibit a noticeably protruding thoracic cage, especially at the front.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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How to correct pigeon chest in children

Treatment should be decided based on the specific condition of the child's pigeon chest. For mild to moderate pigeon chest, especially in children, where there is no compression on the heart and lungs, conservative treatment should generally be considered. The best method for correction is to pay attention to posture and engage in appropriate physical exercise. Additionally, a thoracic orthotic can be used; the effects of wearing a thoracic orthotic for correcting mild to moderate pigeon chest are generally quite positive. For severe pigeon chest, particularly when there is compression affecting the heart and lungs and thus impacting cardiac and pulmonary function, surgical treatment should be considered to correct the severe pigeon chest.