The deformity
Pectus excavatum is a posterior displacement of the sternum, giving the chest a sunken appearance. It is the most common congenital chest wall deformity, occurring more often in males, and is thought to result from abnormal growth of the costal cartilages that pull the sternum inward.
It is frequently noticed in early childhood and often becomes markedly more pronounced during the adolescent growth spurt.
Symptoms
Many patients are asymptomatic. Others report exercise intolerance, exertional breathlessness, chest pain or palpitations. In deeper defects the sternum can compress the right heart and reduce stroke volume, particularly during exercise.
Psychosocial impact is common and clinically relevant, especially in adolescents, and is a legitimate part of assessment rather than a cosmetic aside.
Assessment
Evaluation typically combines clinical examination and photography with cross-sectional imaging to calculate a severity index, plus lung function and cardiac assessment where symptoms suggest physiological consequence.
Treatment discussions weigh severity, symptoms, growth stage and the patient's own goals; not every defect requires surgery.
This article is general educational information for healthcare professionals and is not clinical advice or a treatment recommendation. Always refer to the current instructions for use and local clinical guidance.