14-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 14 years of age, the chest wall is in late puberty and becoming increasingly rigid, but non-surgical brace treatment may still provide improvement in selected cases.

This case documents chest wall changes before treatment and after 4 months.

Treatment Method

Treatment

Chest Brace (Pectus Carinatum Brace)

Goals

• Control anterior chest protrusion

• Improve chest contour

• Enhance symmetry

• Guide chest development

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

A significant anterior chest protrusion was observed with increased rigidity.

After 4 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 limited but still modifiable in some cases.

Evaluation focuses on:

• Chest symmetry

• Anterior contour

• Structural rigidity

• Growth completion

Importance of Early Bracing

At this stage:

• Improvement is still possible

• Response varies significantly

• Compliance is essential

• Earlier intervention is more effective

FAQ

Can a 14-year-old still use a brace?

Yes, but outcomes depend on chest wall rigidity.

Is treatment still effective?

It may still be effective in selected cases.

Why only 4 months?

Early response can still occur in partially flexible chest walls.

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.