10-Year-Old Pectus Excavatum Case: Before and After Vacuum Bell Treatment

Case Background

Pectus Excavatum is a common chest wall deformity characterized by a sunken sternum and inward depression of the anterior chest wall.

Around age 10, children enter an important developmental stage before puberty, making chest wall evaluation and monitoring particularly relevant.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 10-year-old patient before treatment and after 5 months of Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

10 years old

Initial Assessment Date

June 2025

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Typical funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Family sought evaluation before puberty

Treatment Method

Treatment

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Approach

Non-surgical chest wall management

Goals

• Improve chest appearance

• Reduce visible depression

• Improve chest symmetry

• Support normal chest wall development

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

A noticeable depression of the sternum was observed, creating a characteristic funnel-shaped chest appearance.

After 5 Months

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Changes in chest wall appearance were observed

• Adjustment of the depressed area was noted

• Improved anterior chest wall contour

• Better chest symmetry

Clinical Observation Summary

Based on image comparison:

Sternal Area

Changes in chest wall appearance were observed.

Chest Wall Contour

The anterior chest wall appeared smoother.

Chest Appearance

The chest contour appeared more natural.

Symmetry

Improved balance between both sides of the chest.

Why Evaluation Before Puberty Matters

Ages 10–12 represent an important stage before rapid adolescent growth.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall development

• Track chest shape changes

• Support long-term management planning

• Prepare for future growth-related changes

FAQ

Is age 10 too late to begin treatment?

Suitability depends on chest wall flexibility, severity of the deformity, and professional evaluation.

Can changes be observed after 5 months?

Results vary between individuals depending on anatomy and treatment adherence.

Why is evaluation before puberty important?

Understanding chest wall development before rapid growth may help guide future management decisions.

Important Notice

This case is provided for educational purposes only.

Individual outcomes vary depending on anatomy, growth patterns, and treatment response.

Interested in Learning Whether Vacuum Bell Therapy May Be Suitable for Your Child?

EMK  Yikang Medical provides:

✓ Professional Chest Wall Evaluation
✓ CT Imaging Analysis
✓ 3D Chest Wall Reconstruction
✓ Customized Design Based on CT or 3D Chest Modeling
✓ Long-Term Follow-Up Support

Contact our team for a personalized assessment.