Condition
Pediatric Pectus Carinatum
What is pectus carinatum?
Pectus carinatum, sometimes called “pigeon breast,” is caused when the breastbone is pushed outward, and occurs only about a third as often as pectus excavatum.
Because it affects the appearance of children, pectus carinatum 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. In addition, pectus carinatum is associated with scoliosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the treatment for pectus carinatum in children?
Chest-wall braces for children
Surgery
Ravitch technique
Providers Who Treat Pectus Carinatum
- 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.
Departments that Treat Pectus Carinatum
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.