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What is Pectus Carinatum?
Also known as pigeon chest, Pectus Carinatum (PC) is a chest wall deformity where there is an overgrowth of the cartilage between the ribs and sternum. Whilst the chest wall is deformed it does not usually affect the internal organs. PC is most common in adolescent males between the ages of 12-14 years old and is normally associated with puberty when the body goes through a growth spurt. PC continues to grow until skeletal maturity unless treated.
Non-surgical treatment through bracing is most effective when the area is flexible and can be physically pushed in by hand. The device will press on the apex of the deformity compressing the overgrown cartilage and returning it back to a ‘normal’ position.
Optimal Wearing Program and Treatment Goals
The brace-wearing program has 2 phases.
Phase 1 - Corrective Phase
The brace is worn for 20 hrs per day. Like many orthotic corrective devices, we recommend a wear-in period of around 30-60 mins on the first day of wear and gradually building up the wear time. After 10 days, the patient should be able to wear the brace for 20 hrs per day.
This stage generally lasts for 6-9 months depending on correction. Once correction is seen and the patient and specialist are happy with the correction, patient moves into the maintenance phase.
Phase 2 - Maintenance Phase
It is important we don’t move into the maintenance phase too early as there is a high likelihood of recurrence. In the Maintenance Phase, the device should be worn for 8-10 hrs during sleep time and removed during the day.
This phase generally lasts for 6-9 months depending on flexibility. If recurrence occurs the corrective phase will need to be re-established and the device will need to be worn for 20 hrs a day again. The total treatment length is approximately 18 months but may differ from patient to patient.
Trulife Pectus Bracing
Available exclusively through OPC Health, these braces provide anterior and posterior directed corrective compression forces.
Pectus Pro
