Question
Does a child with pigeon chest need surgery? They have no discomfort or pain, but the left sternum is higher than the right side. We have visited a county-level first-class hospital, and the doctor recommended taking calcium tablets.
Answer
A pedicle sternum reversal surgery can be performed, which is similar to the procedure for funnel chest but requires special attention to the longer ribs and costal cartilages of pigeon chest, particularly the 3rd and 4th ribs and costal cartilages, as well as the shorter 5th rib. Since children have weaker body resistance and are prone to pediatric funnel chest, parents should take their child to a regular hospital for examination and treatment, and regularly conduct routine checks, taking symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication under the guidance of the doctor.