13-Year-Old Pectus Carinatum Case: Before and After Chest Brace Treatment

Case Background

Pectus Carinatum is a chest wall deformity characterized by an outward protrusion of the sternum.

At 13 years of age, the chest wall is in early puberty and gradually stiffening, but non-surgical brace treatment can still provide meaningful correction.

This case documents chest wall changes before treatment and after 5 months.

Treatment Method

Treatment

Chest Brace (Pectus Carinatum Brace)

Goals

• Control anterior chest protrusion

• Improve chest contour

• Guide chest development

• Enhance symmetry

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

A pronounced anterior chest protrusion was observed with increasing rigidity.

After 5 Months

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Reduced chest protrusion

• Improved chest contour

• Better chest symmetry

• More stable appearance

Developmental Observation

At this stage, chest wall flexibility is reduced but still modifiable.

Evaluation focuses on:

• Chest symmetry

• Anterior contour

• Growth pattern

• Structural stability

Importance of Early Bracing

At this age:

• Correction is still possible

• Treatment response varies

• Compliance is critical

• Early intervention improves outcomes

FAQ

Can a 13-year-old still use a brace?

Yes, but effectiveness depends on chest rigidity.

Is it still effective?

Yes, but slower than in younger children.

Why only 5 months of improvement?

Early response may occur in flexible regions of the chest wall.

Important Notice

This case is for educational purposes only.

Individual outcomes vary depending on anatomy and growth patterns.

 Interested in early evaluation for pectus carinatum?
EMK Yikang Medical provides professional assessment and brace treatment planning.