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Pectus Treatment Costs

Face-to-face pectus assessment

An introductory, face-to-face consultation with one of our pectus specialists covers the following:
an assessment of the severity and type of the patient’s chest deformity an assessment of the flexibility of the patient's chest wall explanation of LOC’s treatment package (Dynamic Chest Compressor) or Vacuum Bell and comprehensive breathing exercise programme) review of posture and spine to preclude assessment for scoliosis 3D topographical chest scan and photographs This initial consultation costs £192 and there is no obligation to go ahead with treatment. If you’re unable to attend this appointment please give us at least 48 hours’ notice, to avoid charges. Please note that patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for all appointments.

Our Pectus Carinatum treatment package

Our comprehensive treatment package for pectus carinatum includes: 3D topographical chest scan, measurements, and clinical photography of your chest a bespoke Dynamic Chest Compressor Brace fitting appointments including on-site adjustments by our certified orthotists up to two years of review appointments a bespoke exercise regime to maximise bracing treatment outcomes a session with a sports therapist to explain and guide you through the bespoke stretching and exercise regime online yoga classes designed specifically to complement bracing therapy remote support from your dedicated orthotist throughout treatment any repairs required to the braces Treatment for adolescent pectus carinatum patients can take anywhere between six months and two years to complete. This will vary depending on the age of the patient, the flexibility of their chest and their compliance with the brace-wearing regime.

Our Pectus Excavatum treatment package

Our comprehensive treatment package for pectus excavatum is similar, but includes: 3D topographical chest scan, measurements, and clinical photography of your chest Vacuum Bell Orthosis fitting appointments including on-site adjustments by our certified orthotists a bespoke exercise regime to maximise vacuum bell therapy outcomes and any additional bracing outcomes required for rib flaring a session with a sports therapist to explain and guide you through the bespoke stretching and exercise regime online yoga classes designed specifically to complement vacuum bell therapy remote support from your dedicated orthotist throughout treatment any repairs required to the braces While not all patients will require a bespoke rib flaring brace, in certain cases this brace can radically improve the appearance of the sunken area of the chest. You will be advised by your clinician if a bespoke rib flaring brace is right for you. Treatment for adolescent pectus excavatum patients can take anywhere between a year to 18 months, depending on the patient. This will vary depending on the age of the patient, the flexibility of their chest and their compliance with the brace-wearing regime.

Free virtual initial consultation

For patients considering our non-surgical treatment for pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum, we offer a free initial pectus consultation via Skype, Facetime or Zoom. During this session, one of our pectus clinicians will establish the severity of the condition and discuss possible treatment options. Find out more about our free, virtual initial pectus appointments

PRICES

Pectus Treatment

Initial virtual consultation for either pectus carinatum or excavatum patients - 30 minutes Free Face-to-face consultation £192 Full Pectus Carinatum Treatment Package, which includes: - Dynamic Chest Compressor Bespoke Brace £900 - Adult Treatment Contract (includes fitting and up to two years of review appointments) £2,200 - Under 18 Year Olds Treatment Contract (includes fitting and up to two years of review appointments) £1,800 Rib Flaring Bespoke Brace (if required)* £900 Full Pectus Excavatum Treatment Package, which includes: - Vacuum Bell orthosis £900 - Adult Treatment Contract (includes fitting and up to two years of review appointments) £2,200 - Under 18 Year Olds Treatment Contract (includes fitting and up to two years of review appointments) £1,800 Rib Flaring Bespoke Brace (if required)* £900 *Please note: Not all pectus patients will require two braces for their treatment. Rib flaring braces are not included in the treatment package prices and are charged for separately.

INCLUDED IN OUR TREATMENT PACKAGE

LOC's comprehensive treatment package for chest deformity includes the following services and support.

Wear & Care Guide

Each pectus patient will be given a comprehensive wear and care guide which covers the most frequently asked questions we receive about wearing both the dynamic chest compressor and the vacuum bell orthosis.

Bespoke exercise regime and physiotherapy support

The bespoke exercise programme actively improves the flexibility of the chest, and pressure applied from the pads enables remodelling of the skeletal system to take place. These exercises are individually designed by a physiotherapist and if completed during brace treatment will help to change the length and strength of muscles. This is very important for when a patient is coming to the end of bracing treatment, to ensure out-of-brace posture is central and balanced and without muscle distortion. This increases the chance of sustaining the improvements made. At the end of bracing treatment, most patients who have completed bracing or vacuum bell therapy will not need ongoing exercises to maintain their new corrected posture.

Repairs

Our braces and orthoses are designed to be worn every day. While the dynamic chest compressor and rib flaring brace are robust and durable, we appreciate that damage can happen through everyday use. In the event of your brace(s) or vacuum bell orthosis breaking or becoming faulty in the first two years of treatment, we will repair it in our on-site manufacturing workshop for no extra cost. Please note, if additional braces or vacuum bells are required, these will be charged for separately. Dynamic chest compressor brace for pectus carinatum

Personal support

Patients and their parents will be offered the direct email addresses of the treating orthotist so they can contact them when they need. Between review appointments, our admin team can set up face-to-face appointments, as well as appointments by phone or video call with your clinician to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

Holistic approach to treatment

Our breadth of knowledge at LOC means we can offer additional insight into underlying conditions that can contribute to the appearance of chest deformity. This means we can recommend additional postural and biomechanical assessments that can improve outcomes for pectus patients.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

Locations:

Kingston upon Thames (HQ) Cambridge Bristol Manchester

FAQS:

What's the best age to start chest bracing treatment?

This depends on several factors; the position of the chest wall deformity, its severity, the flexibility of the chest, the kind of results wanting to be achieved and the age of the person undergoing treatment for pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum. Early adolescence (roughly between the ages of 12-16 years old) – is an optimum age to start treatment, given that the chest is still maturing, and flexible, permanent correction is more easily achievable. Once bracing treatment is complete and a patient has stopped growing, the deformity will not return. For younger pectus patients, conservative bracing is used to keep a deformity from worsening and can help them to avoid surgery in later life. For older pectus patients (between the ages of 20 to 30) results can be harder to achieve, as the costal cartilage hardens into the bone as a person matures. Over the years we have successfully treated many adults for both pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum and active adults with flexible chests can expect good results.

What outcomes can pectus patients expect from bracing treatments?

Again, this hugely depends on what a patient wants to achieve from treatment; whether that’s avoidance of surgery, improvement in the appearance of the chest shape, reduction in rib flaring etc. All these goals are taken into consideration during your first consultation. While there are no serious health risks of having pectus carinatum or excavatum – beyond the cosmetic – for many patients and parents, treatment outcomes involve improving confidence and self-esteem. During our 2018 Pectus Patient Survey, 92% of pectus carinatum patients surveyed said that treatment had a ‘major improvement’ or ‘an improvement’ on their social life. You can read the results of our 2018 Pectus Patient Survey and quality of life questionnaire here.

How often do I need to come in for check-up appointments?

Regular reviews are part of the treatment programme, preferably in clinic with one of our specialist orthotists, or via Skype consultations. The number of appointments needed will vary from patient to patient but as a general rule, younger pectus patients who are growing at a faster rate will need to be seen more regularly for check-up appointments. This is to ensure that the brace fits well and is guiding the chest into the correct position as growth spurts occur. For other patients, this can be scaled back according to their individual needs and demands. Regular appointments are beneficial for assessing progress, checking for signs of rubbing and determining whether another brace is needed. Appointments are also good for checking patient compliance to brace wearing and the breathing and exercise programme. At each appointment, we make time for patients to see our physiotherapist to fine-tune their exercise programme and check to see how a patient has been managing with the current programme. We always advise coming in for appointments whenever you have any concerns about the brace or treatment programme, especially if a brace is rubbing or not fitting correctly. At the London Orthotic Consultancy, we have treated numerous international patients that have benefitted from specially designed braces that leave room to accommodate for growth and that can be adjusted remotely. Follow-up appointments for international patients are conducted via Skype.

How visible is the chest brace under clothing?

This is a very common concern for patients considering treatment; in general, the dynamic chest compressor brace is easy to conceal if you are wearing a loose-fitting shirt for school or work. If you are wearing two chest braces – one for the main deformity and the other for rib flaring – then this may be more noticeable, especially under a t-shirt. Normally loose-fitting clothing will conceal the brace, though it’s likely it will be seen through tight-fitting clothes.

Can I exercise when going through chest bracing treatment?

It is really important to continue exercising while going through bracing treatment. Exercise is fundamental to keeping the chest wall flexible. Our treatment programme incorporates a daily exercise routine of around 30-40 minutes of stretching using yoga poses, resistance bands, deep breathing exercises and general muscle stretches. Deep breathing exercises allow the lungs to expand against the chest wall, pushing it outwards. Exercising with the brace on in the later stages of treatment can also make the chest correction more stable and permanent. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise to complement bracing treatment, as the body positions required to swim imitate the resistance band training designed to stretch the chest and increase its flexibility. Some swimming strokes are better for this than others, please check with your clinician. The brace should always be removed for contact sports and for swimming.

Will I need more than one chest brace throughout treatment?

For most patients, one brace is often all that is needed to achieve a desired level of correction. They are each designed to last the duration of treatment and accommodate any growth that may occur in that time. Some patients have benefitted from having two braces – one to treat the main deformity and the other to treat rib flaring. For some pectus excavatum patients, having a brace apply pressure to the ribs – in addition to vacuum bell therapy – can greatly reduce the appearance of the depressed sternum area of the chest, forcing it upwards and outwards into a more corrective position.

What advice would you give to people considering treatment?

If you are worried about your chest shape, or your child’s chest shape, then get in touch for a free Skype consultation with one of our pectus specialists who can assess their chest and discuss treatment options. We are always happy to communicate with local GPs, thoracic surgeons and consultants if a patient approaches us for bracing treatment after considering other options.