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

Case Background

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

At age 13, children are typically in early to mid-puberty, a stage of rapid physical development that may make chest wall deformities more noticeable.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 13-year-old adolescent before treatment and after 3 months of Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

13 years old

Initial Assessment Date

June 2025

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Typical funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Deformity becoming more noticeable during growth

Characteristics of Adolescent Pectus Excavatum

At age 13, chest wall development accelerates due to puberty.

Common features include:

• Rapid height growth

• Increased chest wall expansion

• More visible sternal depression

• Growing aesthetic and psychological concerns

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, consistent with pectus excavatum.

After 3 Months

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Early changes in chest wall appearance were observed

• Subtle adjustment of the depressed area

• Improved anterior chest contour

• Slight improvement in chest symmetry

Clinical Observation Summary

Based on image comparison:

Sternal Area

Early structural changes were observed.

Chest Wall Contour

The anterior chest wall appeared smoother.

Chest Appearance

The chest contour showed early improvement trends.

Symmetry

Improved balance between both sides of the chest.

Why Early Intervention Matters in Adolescents

Adolescence is a key period of rapid chest wall growth.

Early management may help:

• Monitor progression

• Track structural changes

• Support long-term treatment planning

• Maximize non-surgical treatment window

FAQ

Is Vacuum Bell effective at age 13?

Effectiveness varies depending on chest wall flexibility and severity.

Can changes be seen after 3 months?

Some patients may show early visible changes, but results vary.

Is surgery always required for adolescents?

Not all patients require surgery; evaluation is based on individual severity and symptoms.

Important Notice

This case is provided for educational purposes only.

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

CTA

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 Modeling
✓ Long-Term Follow-Up Support

Contact our team for a personalized assessment.