Pigeon breast is the popular name given to a rare malformation, scientifically known as Pectus carinatum, in which the sternum bone is more detached, causing chest protrusion, depending on the degree of change, this lump can be quite noticeable or go unnoticed.
In general, the child with Pectus carinatum has no health problems, as the heart and lungs continue to function properly, however, due to physical changes, it is common for the child to feel uncomfortable with his or her own body.
- Thus.
- Although treatment is also done to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath.
- It is often done only to improve the physical appearance.
- Improving the child’s self-esteem.
The most relevant characteristic of a person with a pigeon chest is the protrusion of the sternum bone in the middle of the chest, which causes problems with self-esteem and body image, however, there are also cases in which symptoms such as:
Sternum deformity may be noticed shortly after birth or during early childhood, but it is common to be more noticeable around age 12, due to natural bone growth.
Associated with Pectus carinatum, it is also common for the pediatrician to identify other changes in the muscles or spine, the most common being scoliosis, in which there is a curvature in the alignment of the spine. Learn more about scoliosis and how it’s treated.
The cause of the onset of Pectus carinatum is not yet known, however, it is known that there is an excessive development of cartilage that connects the sternum with the ribs, resulting in greater projection of the bone forward.
Most of the time, this malformation goes through several members of the same family, with a 25% chance that the child will be born with pigeon breast if there is any case in the family.
There are two main ways to correct malformation caused by Pectus carinatum:
Orthosis is usually used to prevent surgery and can be used in children or young adults when bones are still growing. This type of device is placed in the sternum and puts pressure on the malformation, forcing the bones to return to the right place.
As a general rule, the splint should be carried between 12 and 23 hours a day and the total duration of treatment varies depending on the results, this type of splint should always be guided by the orthopedist, since depending on the degree and symmetry of the alteration, different orthoses may be necessary.
Surgery is the fastest way to treat pigeon breast, but is usually used only in the most severe cases or when the splint cannot resolve the change.
The type of surgery used is known as Ravitch, and in this procedure, your doctor cuts your chest, removes excess cartilage from your sternum bone, and correctly repositions your ribs.
During surgery, the surgeon may leave a metal bar inside the ribs to help maintain the shape of the chest, this bar should be maintained for at least 6 months, and during this time, the child should avoid activities involving strikes, such as football. For example.