5-Year-Old Child Pectus Excavatum Case: Before and After 2 Years of Vacuum Bell Treatment

Case Background

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

At around five years of age, chest wall development becomes more noticeable, and some parents begin to recognize differences in chest shape during daily activities, sports, or swimming.

This case presents the chest wall appearance of a 5-year-old child before treatment and after 2 years of Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

5 years old

Initial Assessment Date

July 2024

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Typical funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Chest shape difference noticed by parents

Treatment Method

Treatment

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Approach

Non-surgical chest wall management

Goals

• Improve chest appearance

• Reduce visible depression

• Improve chest symmetry

• Support normal chest wall development

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

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

After 2 Years

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Reduced sternal depression

• Improved chest wall contour

• More natural chest appearance

• Better chest symmetry

Clinical Outcome Summary

Based on image comparison:

Sternum Position

Improved compared with the initial assessment.

Chest Wall Contour

Smoother anterior chest wall appearance.

Symmetry

More balanced chest wall structure.

Overall Appearance

Closer to a natural chest shape.

Why Is Age 5 an Important Evaluation Stage?

Around age five, the chest wall continues to grow and develop.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall development

• Track progression of the deformity

• Support long-term management planning

• Guide future treatment decisions

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum become more noticeable as children grow?

Yes. In some cases, the deformity becomes more apparent during childhood and adolescence.

Is Vacuum Bell therapy suitable for a 5-year-old child?

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

Should children without symptoms still be evaluated?

Yes. Regular monitoring can help assess chest wall growth and development.

Clinical Discussion

The chest wall remains relatively flexible during early childhood.

Through regular follow-up and individualized management, chest wall development and chest contour changes can be monitored over time.

Treatment planning should always be tailored to the patient's anatomy and growth pattern.

Important Notice

This case is provided for educational purposes only.

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

The results shown in this case do not guarantee similar outcomes for all patients.

Interested in Learning Whether Vacuum Bell Therapy May Be Suitable for Your Child?

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 today for a personalized assessment.