Pectus Carinatum Brace Treatment  Results

Before & After 

Pectus Carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, presents differently in every patient. The degree of chest protrusion, chest wall flexibility, age, and growth stage can all influence treatment planning and outcomes.

This page presents selected examples of chest wall management and brace treatment follow-up, helping patients and families better understand how Pectus Carinatum may change over time with appropriate treatment and monitoring.

Case Source & Data Transparency

The cases presented on this page are based on chest wall assessment and long-term follow-up records collected through EMK Medical's chest wall management programs.

Case documentation may include:

• Initial clinical evaluations

• CT imaging analysis

• 3D chest wall reconstruction

• Brace treatment follow-up records

• Standardized photographic documentation

• Patient and family feedback

• Long-term monitoring data

To improve consistency, photographs are taken under similar conditions whenever possible, including posture, camera angle, and lighting.

Age Distribution of Cases

Because chest wall flexibility changes with age, treatment outcomes may vary among different patient groups.

Cases on this page are organized into three age categories:

Children (0–12 Years)

The chest wall is generally more flexible and continues to develop.

Adolescents (12–18 Years)

This is the most common age group for Pectus Carinatum Treatment.

Adults (18+ Years)

Chest wall structures are more mature, and treatment plans often require individualized evaluation.

Treatment Methods

The majority of patients featured on this page received one or both of the following management approaches.

Brace Therapy

Brace treatment is one of the most widely used non-surgical options for Pectus Carinatum.

The brace applies controlled external pressure to the protruding area of the chest, gradually encouraging chest wall remodeling over time.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduction of sternum protrusion

• Improved chest symmetry

• Better overall chest contour

• Non-surgical management approach

Combined Conservative Management

Some patients may also participate in:

• Posture correction programs

• Breathing exercises

• Core strengthening

• Chest wall mobility training

• Physical activity guidance

Combined approaches are often recommended during growth periods to support overall chest wall development.

How Are Results Evaluated?

Treatment outcomes are assessed using multiple methods to provide a more objective evaluation.

1. Standardized Photographic Comparison

Photos are typically taken from:

Front View

Assessment of chest prominence and symmetry.

Side View

Evaluation of sternum projection.

Oblique View (45 Degrees)

Visualization of chest wall contour.

Photographs are obtained under similar conditions whenever possible.

2. Chest Wall Measurements

Clinical assessments may include:

• Degree of chest protrusion

• Chest wall symmetry

• Rib flare evaluation

• Changes in chest contour over time

3. Long-Term Follow-Up

Follow-up intervals commonly include:

• Initial assessment

• 3 months

• 6 months

• 12 months

• 18 months or longer

Some patients continue follow-up beyond two years.

Children Case Results (0–12 Years)

Children often demonstrate the highest chest wall flexibility, making early evaluation particularly valuable.

Case 1

Age

5 years old

Severity

Mild to Moderate

Treatment

• Custom Brace Therapy

• Regular Follow-Up

Treatment Duration

8 Months

Observed Changes

• Reduced chest protrusion

• Improved chest contour

• Better chest symmetry

• Increased family satisfaction with appearance

Case 2

Age

10 years old

Severity

Mild 

Treatment

• Brace Therapy

• Posture Training

Treatment Duration

12 Months

Observed Changes

• Noticeable reduction in sternum prominence

• Improved body posture

• Better chest wall balance

Adolescent Case Results (12–18 Years)

Adolescents represent the largest treatment group for Pectus Carinatum.

Because growth is still occurring, chest wall remodeling potential may remain significant.

Case 1

Age

12 years old

Severity

Mild 

Treatment

• Brace Therapy

• Comprehensive Exercise Program

Treatment Duration

10 Months

Observed Changes

• Visible improvement in chest shape

• Reduced protrusion

• Improved confidence

Case 2

Age

14 years old

Severity

Mild 

Treatment

• Long-Term Brace Therapy

Treatment Duration

18 Months

Observed Changes

• Improved chest wall contour

• Reduced rib flare appearance

• Better overall chest symmetry

Factors That May Influence Results

Every patient responds differently to treatment.

Factors that may influence outcomes include:

• Age

• Chest wall flexibility

• Severity of protrusion

• Treatment compliance

• Daily brace wearing time

• Growth stage

• Rib flare severity

• Overall chest wall anatomy

In general:

Children → Adolescents → Adults

Younger patients often have greater chest wall remodeling potential.

Important Notice

The cases shown on this page are provided for educational and informational purposes only.

Individual treatment responses vary significantly.

The outcomes shown do not guarantee similar results for every patient.

A professional chest wall evaluation is necessary to determine whether brace treatment may be appropriate for a specific individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see changes with brace treatment?

Some patients may notice visible improvements within several months, while others may require longer treatment periods depending on age, chest wall flexibility, and severity.

Can adults still benefit from brace therapy?

Selected adults with sufficient chest wall flexibility may still experience improvement, although treatment often requires longer durations than in younger patients.

Does every patient achieve the same result?

No.

Treatment outcomes vary depending on individual anatomy, compliance, growth stage, and chest wall characteristics.

Can the results be maintained?

Long-term stability depends on multiple factors, including age, skeletal maturity, treatment completion, and follow-up management.

Next Step: Find Out What Improvement May Be Possible

Every chest wall is different.

A comprehensive evaluation may help determine:

• Whether brace treatment is appropriate

• Expected improvement potential

• Recommended treatment duration

• Individualized management strategies

Wondering Whether You or Your Child May Benefit From Brace Treatment?

EMK Yikang Medical provides:

· Professional Chest Wall Evaluation

·CT Imaging Analysis

· 3D Chest Wall Reconstruction

·Custom Brace Design Based on CT and 3D Modeling

· Long-Term Follow-Up Support

·Personalized Treatment Recommendations

 Contact Our Team Today for a Professional Assessment and Treatment Consultation.