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View our privacy policyPectus excavatum is the most common type of chest wall deformity, affecting around 1 in 300 to 400 births. It is sometimes called ‘sunken’ or ‘funnel’ chest and is more common in men.
Pectus excavatum is a chest wall deformity where the chest bone (sternum) is pushed inwards. This happens because of an overgrowth of cartilage between the ribs and the breastbone. This causes the sternum to appear sunken into the chest or dented.
It’s frequently diagnosed in older children and teenagers as it becomes noticeable during growth spurts in puberty.
It is not to be confused with pectus carinatum, when the breastbone sticks outward.
It is possible to have a chest shape that has characteristics of both pectus carinatum and excavatum, where part of the chest protrudes whereas the other dents inwards.
The severity of the condition varies, and in rare cases, it may present alongside other disorders like Marfan syndrome or scoliosis.
Patients can find the psychological distress of having a pectus deformity much worse than the physical symptoms. Many patients, especially teenagers, may worry about their appearance and about others noticing.
This can lead to:
A 2024 study showed that patients with pectus excavatum reported a decreased quality of life and depressive tendencies.
Some people report secondary symptoms, including:
However symptoms can vary from person to person and not everyone may experience these.
The exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown, but it’s thought to result from abnormal cartilage growth. Pectus excavatum tends to run in families, which suggests that genetics may play a role. It can also be linked to rare conditions like Marfan syndrome.
Diagnosis usually starts with a physical examination, as the sunken chest is often visible. The severity of pectus excavatum is often measured using the Haller index, which assesses the depth of the chest’s inward curve.
To understand the severity and rule out other conditions, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may be recommended.
Treatment options depend on these factors:
Non-surgical options are often effective for most cases, while surgery may be necessary for more severe cases or for those who do not want to commit to the vacuum bell treatment schedule.
See our pectus excavatum treatment page
At the London Orthotic Consultancy, we’re the UK’s leading experts in non-surgical treatment for pectus excavatum and rib flaring. Our modern, comprehensive treatment package can correct your chest shape without surgery with a combination of bespoke exercises, the vacuum bell and our rib flaring brace.
We’re proud to have pioneered this treatment in the UK since 2010 and have achieved outstanding results for our patients.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
