9-Year-Old Child Pectus Excavatum Case: Before and After Vacuum Bell Treatment

Case Background

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

At around age 9, many children are approaching the pre-adolescent growth stage, when chest wall development begins to accelerate.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 9-year-old child before treatment and after Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

9 years old

Initial Assessment Date

July 2024

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Pronounced 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 sternal depression was present, creating a characteristic funnel-shaped chest appearance.

After 1 Year and 2 Months

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

Improvement in the depressed area compared with baseline.

Chest Wall Contour

A smoother anterior chest wall contour was observed.

Symmetry

Improved balance between both sides of the chest.

Overall Appearance

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

Why Pre-Adolescent Evaluation Matters

Ages 9 to 11 represent an important developmental stage before puberty.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall growth

• Assess deformity progression

• Support long-term management planning

• Prepare for future growth-related changes

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum worsen before puberty?

In some patients, the deformity may become more noticeable during periods of rapid growth.

Is Vacuum Bell therapy suitable for a 9-year-old child?

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

Why is evaluation before puberty important?

Understanding chest wall development before rapid growth may help guide future management decisions.

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.