Background: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of nonoperative compression in correcting pectus carinatum in children.
Materials and Methods: Children presenting with pectus carinatum between August 1999 and January 2004 were prospectively enrolled in this study. The management protocol included custom compressive
bracing, strengthening exercises, and frequent clinical follow-up.
Results: There were 30 children seen for evaluation. Their mean age was 13 years (range, 3–16 years) and there were 26 boys and 4 girls. Of the 30 original patients, 6 never returned to obtain
the brace, leaving 24 patients in the study. Another 4 subjects were lost to follow-up. For the remaining
20 patients who have either completed treatment or continue in the study, the mean duration
of bracing was 16 months, involving an average of 3 follow-up visits and 2 brace adjustments.
Five of these patients had little or no improvement due to either too short a follow-up or noncompliance
with the bracing. The other 15 patients (75%) had a significant to complete correction. There
were no complications encountered during the study period.
Conclusion: Compressive orthotic bracing is a safe and effective alternative to both invasive surgical correction and no treatment for pectus carinatum in children. Compliance is critical to the
success of this management strategy.
