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

Case Background

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

As children become more active in school sports, swimming, and social activities, differences in chest shape may become more noticeable.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 7-year-old child before treatment and after 2 years of Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

7 years old

Initial Assessment Date

September 2023

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Pronounced funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Chest deformity noticed during physical activities

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 sternal depression was observed, creating a typical funnel-shaped chest appearance.

The anterior chest wall contour appeared uneven.

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

The depressed area appeared improved compared with baseline.

Chest Wall Contour

A smoother and more balanced chest wall contour was observed.

Symmetry

Improved chest symmetry compared with the initial evaluation.

Overall Appearance

The chest shape appeared closer to a natural chest wall contour.

Management Considerations for School-Age Children

At age 7, the chest wall continues to develop and change.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall growth

• Track deformity progression

• Support long-term management planning

• Assess chest wall development before adolescence

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum become more noticeable as children grow?

Yes. In some children, the deformity may become more apparent during growth and adolescence.

Is Vacuum Bell therapy suitable for a 7-year-old child?

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

Can pectus excavatum affect physical activity?

Some children experience no limitations, but professional assessment is recommended.

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 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 for a personalized assessment.