Experience of using the metal plate in the treatment of Pectus Excavatum in children

Abstract

Congenital deformities of the ribs and sternum are often encountered. Surgical treatment of hollowed chest in children is generally accepted. The purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of the metal plate in plastic surgery on the ribs and the sternum at the hollowed chest deformation. Over the past 10 years there were 23 patients with a hollowed chest under the supervision. Of all the patients (23), the parents noted the deformation of the anterior thoracic wall in the first year of life in 5 children. The remaining 18 children had deformity at an older age - these children often had colds. Indications for plastic surgery were cosmetic, orthopedic, and functional. Only 10 patients demonstrated a violation of posture, 8 had a round back, and 3 had kyphoscoliosis. Conducted electrocardiographic and spirometric studies found a violation of the cardiac activity function and external respiration in the majority of sick children (18, 67%). Operation in the deformation of the ribs and sternum consisted of subchondral resection of the ribs of the deformed zone and T-shaped osteotomy of the sternum with subsequent correction of its shape and retention in this position by means of a metal plate that was inserted behind the sternum, and its jaws rested against the ribs themselves. The metal plate was removed one year after the operative treatment. 22 of the 23 children with chest deformity treatment had a recover restore the chest form and improvement of the chest function, 3 patients had a flat shape. Significant improvement in the function of respiratory and cardiovascular systems was revealed. All children became more active, cheerful, and sociable. Inferiority syndrome disappeared.