Traumatology >>>> Concave thorax

Concave thorax.

A concave thorax (funnel-shaped) is a pathology in the formation of the chest skeleton.

The causes of the funnel thorax are not well understood, but there are a number of theories according to which this kind of deformation can occur as a result of:

pathological development of cartilage tissue,
pathology of the growth of bones that form the thorax, when there is a lag in the growth of the bone tissue of the ribs and sternum,
growth disorders of the diaphragmatic muscles, shortening of the ligaments holding the diaphragm,
incorrect position of the fetus in the womb,
hereditary defect,
dyschondroplasia - a delay in the growth of cells of the cartilaginous tissue of the sternum and ribs.

The funnel thorax, in addition to an external defect, adds complexity to the location and functioning of internal organs. Due to a decrease in the volume of the thorax when the sternum and ribs are pressed inward, the volume of the lungs decreases. Lead to hypertension in the pulmonary circulation, violations of the elasticity and mobility of the thorax area due to improper attachment of muscles.

Funnel thorax signs:

Concaved in the sternum, which increases depth with age,
the edges of the lower ribs protrude, lifting the rectus abdominis muscles and forcing them to bulge outward,
a funnel thorax is often confused with rickets when diagnosed.

The concave thorax is associated with other curvature of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis.

To correct a defect in the thorax, conservative treatment (exercise, swimming) and thoracic surgery are used.

There are several methods of correcting thoracic surgery in the thorax area:

removal of protruding parts of the ribs with or without bone grafting,
the use of staples and external devices to pull the ribs into the correct position,
possible removal of deformed cartilage.

The depth and complexity of thoracic surgery depends on the degree of thorax deformity and the location of the internal organs. This takes into account the connection with the muscular corset of the abdominal region, the expediency of a cardinal displacement of the chest skeleton.

During the operation, the patient's age is taken into account. In early childhood, the operation is not advisable. Usually they choose the time appropriate for adolescence.