Question

Is it possible for a 14-year-old with mild pectus excavatum to improve the condition by doing push-ups?

Answer

The treatment for pectus excavatum typically involves surgery. Here are several methods for correcting pectus excavatum:

  1. The subcutaneous pedicle sternoplasty, which is similar to the technique used for pectus carinatum correction.
  2. The nonpedicled sternoplasty method, which is also similar to the technique used for pectus carinatum correction, but special attention must be given to the longer 3rd and 4th ribs and costal cartilages, and the shorter 5th rib in pectus excavatum.
  3. The sternal plasty, which involves a midline or transverse incision in the chest area to correct the abnormal shape of the sternum by removing part of the longer costal cartilages and using wire fixation.
  4. Performing exercises such as breathing exercises, push-ups, or weight lifting can assist in correcting pectus excavatum. When correcting the pectus excavatum deformity surgically, it is important to consider whether the protruding sternum will compress the heart after surgery. Therefore, careful study of chest X-rays and CT scans is necessary before surgery to avoid postoperative sternum compression of the heart. Additionally, jogging and other forms of exercise can also help improve chest wall development deficiencies.