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

Case Background

Pectus Excavatum is one of the most common chest wall deformities in adolescents, characterized by a sunken sternum and inward depression of the anterior chest wall.

Around age 12, many children enter early puberty, a period marked by rapid growth of the chest wall and body. During this stage, the appearance of pectus excavatum may become more noticeable.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 12-year-old adolescent before treatment and after Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

12 years old

Initial Assessment Date

April 2024

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Typical funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Chest shape became more noticeable during growth

Characteristics of Adolescent Pectus Excavatum

Puberty is one of the most common periods for progression of pectus excavatum.

Potential contributing factors include:

• Rapid height growth

• Accelerated chest wall development

• Ongoing costal cartilage growth

• Structural chest wall changes

Treatment Method

Treatment

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Approach

Non-surgical chest wall management

Goals

• Improve chest appearance

• Reduce visible depression

• Improve chest symmetry

• Support chest wall development during adolescence

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

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

After 1 Year and 3 Months

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Changes in the depressed area were observed

• Improved anterior chest wall contour

• Better chest symmetry

• More natural chest appearance

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 Management During Puberty Matters

Puberty is a period of rapid chest wall development.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall growth

• Track deformity progression

• Assess chest shape changes

• Support long-term management planning

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum worsen during puberty?

Yes. In some adolescents, the deformity may become more noticeable during rapid growth.

Is age 12 too late to begin treatment?

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

Is imaging evaluation recommended?

CT imaging and 3D chest wall analysis can help assess chest wall structure and guide treatment planning.

Important Notice

This case is presented 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 an Adolescent?

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.