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

Case Background

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

At age 14, adolescents are in mid-puberty, a stage of active chest wall growth where deformities may become more pronounced.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 14-year-old adolescent before treatment and after 12 months of Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

14 years old

Initial Assessment Date

August 2024

Main Findings

• Pronounced central sternal depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Visible pectus excavatum deformity

• Progression during growth phase

Characteristics of Mid-Adolescent Pectus Excavatum

At age 14, chest wall characteristics include:

• Ongoing chest wall growth

• Increasing visibility of sternal depression

• Moderate cartilage flexibility

• Potential response to non-surgical management

Treatment Method

Treatment

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Approach

Non-surgical chest wall management

Goals

• Improve chest appearance

• Reduce visible depression

• Improve chest symmetry

• Support adolescent chest wall development

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

A clear sternal depression was observed, consistent with pectus excavatum.

After 12 Months

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Noticeable changes in chest wall appearance

• Reduction in sternal depression

• Improved anterior chest contour

• Better chest symmetry

Clinical Observation Summary

Based on image comparison:

Sternal Area

Visible changes in chest wall structure 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.

Importance of Mid-Adolescent Management

At age 14, chest wall development is still ongoing:

• Growth is active

• Cartilage still has flexibility

• Regular evaluation is essential

• Outcomes depend on compliance and anatomy

FAQ

Is Vacuum Bell effective at age 14?

Effectiveness depends on chest wall flexibility, severity, and usage consistency.

Can changes be seen after 12 months?

Many patients may show visible changes, but results vary individually.

Is this still a good treatment window?

Age 14 is still considered an important non-surgical intervention period.

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 Adolescents?

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.