Non-surgical approaches to the management of chest wall deformities.

Chest wall deformities in children encompass a broad spectrum of disorders but pectus excavatum and carinatum are by far the most common. Treatment varies substantially by center, and depends on patient symptoms, severity of disease, and surgeon preference. Historically, surgical approaches were the mainstay of treatment for these disease processes but new advances in non-surgical approaches have demonstrated reasonable results in select patients. These non-surgical approaches include vacuum bell therapy, autologous fat grafting and hyaluronic acid injections for pectus excavatum, and orthotic brace therapy for pectus carinatum. There is debate with regards to optimal patient selection for these non-surgical approaches, as well as other barriers including reimbursement issues. This paper will review the current non-surgical approaches to chest wall deformities available, including optimal patient selection, treatment protocols, indications, contraindications, and outcomes.

Modeling of the chest wall response to prolonged bracing in pectus carinatum.

Pectus carinatum is a chest wall deformity that is often treated through the wearing of an external brace. The treatment of the deformity could benefit from a greater understanding of chest wall characteristics under prolonged loading. These characteristics are difficult to model directly but empirical studies can be used to create statistical models. 185 patients from 2018-2020 received bracing treatment. Data on the severity of the deformity, treatment pressures, and time of wear were recorded at the first fitting and all subsequent follow-up visits. This data was analyzed using a statistical mixed effects model to identify significant measures and trends in treatment. These models were designed to help quantify changes in chest wall characteristics through prolonged bracing. Two statistical models were created. The first model predicts the change in the amount of pressure to correct the deformity after bracing for a given time and pressure. The second model predicts the change in pressure response by the body on the brace after bracing for a given time and pressure. These models show a high significance in the amount of pressure and time to the changes in the chest wall response. Initial deformity severity is also significant in changes to the deformity. The statistical models predict general trends in pectus carinatum brace treatment and can assist in creating treatment plans, motivating patient compliance, and can inform the design of future treatment systems.

Remote Monitoring System of Dynamic Compression Bracing to Correct Pectus Carinatum.

Pectus carinatum (PC) is a chest deformity caused by disproportionate growth of the costal cartilages compared with the bony thoracic skeleton, pulling the sternum forwards and leading to its protrusion. Currently, the most common non-invasive treatment is external compressive bracing, by means of an orthosis. While this treatment is widely adopted, the correct magnitude of applied compressive forces remains unknown, leading to suboptimal results. Moreover, the current orthoses are not suitable to monitor the treatment. The purpose of this study is to design a force measuring system that could be directly embedded into an existing PC orthosis without relevant modifications in its construction. For that, inspired by the currently commercially available products where a solid silicone pad is used, three concepts for silicone-based sensors, two capacitive and one magnetic type, are presented and compared. Additionally, a concept of a full pipeline to capture and store the sensor data was researched. Compression tests were conducted on a calibration machine, with forces ranging from 0 N to 300 N. Local evaluation of sensors' response in different regions was also performed. The three sensors were tested and then compared with the results of a solid silicon pad. One of the capacitive sensors presented an identical response to the solid silicon while the other two either presented poor repeatability or were too stiff, raising concerns for patient comfort. Overall, the proposed system demonstrated its potential to measure and monitor orthosis's applied forces, corroborating its potential for clinical practice.

Remote treatment of pectus carinatum (Telepectus) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report telemedicine's feasibility and satisfaction rates for treating patients with pectus carinatum using a dynamic compressor system. We analyzed treatment adherence in comparison with the previous, non-pandemic year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis including patients with pectus carinatum under treatment with a dynamic compressor system using telemedicine at the chest wall centers from two hospitals, private and public, between April and July 2020. A free video conference platform for teleconsultations was employed. We evaluated the incidence of pectus cases with telemedicine, the number of dynamic compressor system prescriptions, the number of patients in the correction phase, and the number who ended treatment. To assess adherence, we compared our cohort with an in-person cohort during the same time frame of the previous, non-pandemic year. In addition, we performed a patient satisfaction survey comprising questions related to socioeconomic status, the likeability of telemedicine, simplicity of modification of the system, and desire to continue with telepectus after the pandemic. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six telepectus consultations were performed in 76 patients. During this time frame, 15 patients started using the dynamic compressor system. Compared to the previous, non-pandemic year, the number of consultations per patient was similar (2019: 1.92 ± 1 .0 vs. 2020: 1.79 ± 0.8, p = 0.32), and there was a significant reduction in the number of dropouts with the use of telemedicine (9% vs. 1%, p = 0.025). Fifty-nine patients answered the satisfaction survey. All of them solved their doubts through telemedicine. Overall, 95% found telemedicine comfortable. Of note, those with a lower income evidenced the highest intention in continuing with telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of remote care of patients with pectus carinatum using a dynamic compressor system with a similar frequency of consultations compared to in-person medical care. Telepectus patients revealed a high rate of satisfaction irrespective of their socioeconomic status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective study.

A Comparative Study on Short-Term Effects of Compression Orthosis and Exercises in the Treatment of Pectus Carinatum: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Feasibility Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pectus carinatum (PC) is a congenital chest wall deformity which is characterized by the protrusion of the sternum and costal cartilages. Although orthotic and exercise therapies are commonly offered by physicians for PC treatment, there is a lack of evidence on the benefits of exercises and how long the orthosis should be worn. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and feasibility of custom-made compression orthosis and exercises in the treatment of PC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with PC aged 7 to 17 years old were randomized into three groups: compression orthosis 23 hours, compression orthosis 8 hours, and control group. All groups received exercises for 1 hour a day for 3 weeks. Additionally, compression orthosis 23 hours group wore the orthosis for 23 hours a day, while compression orthosis 8 hours group wore the orthosis for 8 hours a day. PC protrusion, pressure of correction, thorax lateral and anteroposterior parameters, external chest wall measurements, and Nuss Questionnaire were evaluated before and after the treatment. Also, adverse effects, retention, and compliance were assessed. Feasibility was evaluated by calculating the percentages of recruitment, retention, and safety. RESULTS: The compression orthosis 23 hours group showed greater improvements than the other groups. After treatment, all groups showed significant changes in protrusion, pressure of correction, and external chest wall measurements. Adverse events occurred with similar frequency across groups. Retention percentages did not differ among groups. CONCLUSION: Compression orthosis use for 23 hours can be recommended rather than its use for 8 hours because 23 hours of orthosis use has better correction and similar adverse effects.

Musculoskeletal deformities after thoracic surgery in children: An observational long-term follow-up study.

PURPOSE: This study reports the incidence, severity, and predictors of musculoskeletal deformities (MD), including scoliosis and chest wall anomalies, following thoracic procedures in children. METHODS: Children younger than 14 years who had thoracic surgery between 1997 and 2012 and had no other predispositions to MD, underwent longitudinal follow-ups with dedicated musculoskeletal examination performed in an esophageal atresia, orthopedic, or research clinic. Incidence of MD was calculated, and logistic regression methods were used to determine independent predictors, including sex, gestational age, age at procedure, serratus anterior muscle division, and chest tube placement. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 104 patients followed for a median of 10.8 years (range 3-21). A total of 56 MD developed in 41 patients (39%), including scapular winging (24; 23%), scoliosis (17; 16%), and chest wall anomalies (15; 14%). The majority of MD were subclinical, with only 8 patients [8% (6 thoracotomies, 2 thoracoscopies)] requiring intervention. Among patients who underwent thoracotomies (93, 89%), serratus anterior muscle division was the only significant predictor of the development of MD [OR 8.9; 95% CI 2.8-32.6]. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal deformities develop in a significant proportion of children following thoracic surgery, but most are subclinical. A muscle-sparing technique decreases the incidence of these deformities. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective Cohort Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Does physiotherapy applied in conjunction with compression brace treatment in patients with pectus carinatum have efficacy? A preliminary randomized-controlled study.

PURPOSE: Non-invasive treatment of pectus carinatum (PC) deformity includes the use of a compression brace and exercises. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of a physiotherapy protocol applied as adjunct to compression brace treatment in patients with PC. METHODS: The study included 30 male patients between 11 and 18 years of age. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: a brace treatment only group (Group 1) and a brace and physiotherapy group (Group 2). Patient demographics and disease-related properties, protrusion measurements, postural evaluations, deformity perceptions, life quality, and treatment satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: Although both groups showed improvements based on external chest measurements related to PC protrusion following treatment (p < 0.001), Group 2 had more benefit from the treatment (effect size > 0.36) and displayed greater improvement in maximum protrusion degree and lateral length values (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found that patient perception of deformity, posture, psychological life quality, and treatment satisfaction scores were significantly better in Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Owing to the satisfaction and additional benefits observed in the physiotherapy group, we think that a proper cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal exercise program should be applied concurrently with brace treatment for patients with PC deformity. Nevertheless, long-term outcomes need to be clarified in future studies.

External Compressive Bracing With Initial Reduction of Pectus Carinatum: Compliance Is the Key.

BACKGROUND: To assess the impact of manipulation and a tailored program for compressive bracing on the quality of life of patients with flexible pectus carinatum. METHODS: Two hundred forty-nine sequential patients attending a clinic for assessment of pectus carinatum deformities underwent outpatient manipulation and then followed a prescribed schedule of continuous external compressive bracing but without significant progressive tightening. RESULTS: There was successful sustained reduction of the deformity in 244 patients with high reported rates of concordance (98%) and satisfaction (94%). Patients experienced a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression (P < .001) and had improved body satisfaction (P < .001). Mild skin irritation occurred in 18% of patients (n = 44), and there were 2 severe cases of skin irritation, 1 of which resulted in abandonment of bracing. CONCLUSIONS: Manipulation and nontightening compressive bracing was associated with complete concordance, high levels of successful bracing, improved confidence, and reduced psychological morbidity.

Effectiveness of Compressive External Bracing in Patients with Flexible Pectus Carinatum Deformity: A Review.

There has been a growing interest in the nonoperative treatment of chest wall deformities over the last few decades; with the advent of external compressive orthotics, similar outcomes have been reported compared with surgical intervention. There have been fewer major complications reported with dynamic compression bracing on the chest wall; however, the Achilles heel of this approach still lies with treatment tolerability and compliance. A Medline literature search was undertaken to evaluate the evidence concerning the techniques, modifications, and outcomes associated with external compressive bracing in the setting of pectus carinatum. Sixteen articles were integrated after literature review and data were collected on methods of assessing pectus carinatum (degree of severity as well as type), patient selection protocol (i.e., suitability for external compressive bracing), the bracing protocol itself, duration of treatment, metrics used to assess outcome, and success, compliance, and dropout rate, and length of long-term follow-up. Compressive external bracing appears to be a safe and well tolerated nonsurgical treatment option for young patients with flexible pectus carinatum deformities. However, there is still a need for robust level I randomized data from multiple centers with a clearly standardized bracing protocol, objective measurement of outcomes, and recording of results at the end of the bracing treatment program in sufficiently powered sample sizes over a significant follow-up period.

Initial reduction of flexible pectus carinatum with outpatient manipulation as an adjunct to external compressive bracing: technique and early outcomes at 12 weeks.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess whether initial reduction with outpatient soft-tissue manipulation of flexible pectus carinatum deformity prior to external compressive bracing was associated with improved compliance and patient satisfaction compared to reported outcomes of external brace with progressive tightening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From our observational cohort of 227 patients, 177 were felt appropriate to undergo initial reduction and soft tissue manipulation prior to immediate custom fitting of an external compressive brace. These patients then followed a prescriptive schedule of 12 weeks of continuous external bracing with subsequent follow-up in clinic. RESULTS: The reduction in Haller Index was maintained throughout the period of external bracing without the need for progressive tightening of the external brace. The treatment was associated with high levels of patient satisfaction and high patient concordance compared to other protocols. There were no major complications and minor complications included only skin irritation. CONCLUSIONS: Out-patient initial reduction with manipulation prior to external compressive bracing is a novel technique which resulted in excellent concordance and high rates of patient satisfaction and should be considered as an adjunct to standard external bracing techniques. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Otopalatodigital syndrome type I: New temporal bone CT-scan sign in a case with a de novo novel mutation / Síndrome otopalatodigital de tipo I: Nuevo signo de TC en una paciente con mutación de novo no descrita

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Outcomes Following Dynamic Compression Bracing for Pectus Carinatum.

Introduction: Children with pectus carinatum (PC) are particularly vulnerable to psychosocial effects of poor body image, even though they may not experience physical symptoms. Nonoperative treatment with orthotic bracing is effective in PC correction. We describe our experience with dynamic compression bracing (DCB) for PC patients and their satisfaction with bracing. Materials and Methods: Prospective institutional data of patients undergoing DCB from July 2011 to June 2018 were reviewed and analyzed for those who entered the retainer mode after correction, defined by a correction pressure of <1 psi. A telephone survey was conducted regarding their bracing experience and satisfaction with the outcome on a scale of 1-10. Results: Of 460 PC patients, 144 reached the retainer mode. Median time to retainer mode was 5.5 months. There was no statistically significant relationship between initial correction pressure or carinatum height and time to retainer mode (P = .08 and P = .10, respectively). Fifty-seven percent were compliant with brace use, and median time to retainer mode in this subset was significantly shorter than noncompliant patients (3.5 months versus 10 months, P < .001). Fifty-three percent responded to the survey 13 months [interquartile ratios 3, 33] after the last clinic visit. The main barrier to compliance with wearing the brace was discomfort (37%), while the main motivation for compliance was appearance (58%). All endorsed bracing as worthwhile, with 94% reporting a satisfaction rating of 8 or greater for the correction outcome. Conclusion: DCB is effective in achieving correction of PC in compliant patients. Regardless of time to retainer mode, patients reported high satisfaction with bracing.

Pectus Carinatum: a non-invasive and objective measurement of severity.

To date, standard methods for assessing the severity of chest wall deformities are mostly linked to X-ray and CT scans. However, the use of radiations limits their use when there is a need to monitor the development of the pathology over time. This is particularly important when dealing with patients suffering from Pectus Carinatum, whose treatment mainly requires the use of corrective braces and a systematic supervision. In recent years, the assessment of severity of chest deformities by means of radiation-free devices became increasingly popular but not yet adopted as standard clinical practice. The present study aims to define an objective measure by defining a severity index (named External Pectus Carinatum Index) used to monitor the course of the disease during treatment. Computed on the optical acquisition of the patients' chest by means of an appositely devised, fast and easy-to-use, body scanner, the proposed index has been validated on a sample composed of a control group and a group of Pectus Carinatum patients. The index proved to be reliable and accurate in the characterization of the pathology, enabling the definition of a threshold that allows to distinguish the cases of patients with PC from those of healthy subjects. Graphical abstract.

[Dynamic compression brace for pectus carinatum: 5 years on]. / Dynamische-compressiebrace bij pectus carinatum.

Pectus carinatum is a congenital chest-wall deformity with a prevalence of 0.3-0.7%. This chest-wall deformity can lead to functional, cosmetic and psychosocial problems. For many years, the only available treatment was an invasive surgical procedure. A less-invasive treatment, namely external compression of the sternum with a brace, showed disappointing results due to discomfort, a high percentage of skin complications and low compliance. The introduction of the dynamic compression brace has meant that the pressure of sternal compression can be measured and adjusted, which has improved comfort and compliance and resulted in an increased success rate of 92% and a decrease in the percentage of skin complications to just 8%. Despite the fact that wearing a compression brace for a longer period of time is not an easy undertaking for an adolescent, the use of the dynamic compression brace results in a high success rate, and is a safe and an efficient treatment.

Long-Term Results of Compressive Brace Therapy for Pectus Carinatum.

BACKGROUND: Pectus carinatum (PC) is one of the most common types of congenital chest wall deformity. Recently, noninvasive compressive brace therapy has been more frequently used than invasive surgical correction to treat PC. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of compressive brace therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with PC who underwent compressive brace therapy between January 2014 and December 2016. All patients underwent a 2-week compression period, in which braces were worn for 20 hours per day, followed by a 6-month maintenance period, in which braces were worn for 12 hours per day. Patient satisfaction was investigated via telephone survey. RESULTS: A total of 320 patients were included in this study. The average age was 13 years, and 280 were males (87.5%). The median follow-up period was 42 months (13-68). Good compliance was observed in 286 patients (89.4%; compliance group). In this group, the initial Haller index significantly increased from 2.20 ± 0.31 to 2.59 ± 0.38 after the 6-month therapy period (p = 0.001). After the 6-month period, 255 patients (89.1%) and 31 patients (12.1%) in the compliance group were very satisfied and satisfied, respectively. Satisfaction at the last follow-up via telephone survey was very satisfied in 250 patients (87.4%) and satisfied in 36 (12.6%). In the compliance group, no patient needed compressive braces again after the therapy period. CONCLUSION: Given the findings presented in this study, compressive brace therapy appears to be a relatively simple and safe method with good long-term outcome in treating patients with PC.

Measuring the impact of brace intervention on pediatric pectus carinatum using white light scanning.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of Pectus Carinatum (PC) deformity in patients undergoing bracing is limited to subjective assessment of the chest through physical exam and photography. White Light Scanning (WLS) is a novel 3D imaging modality and offers an objective alternative that is quick, inexpensive, and safe. We previously demonstrated the feasibility of using a WLS-derived proxy for Haller index, called the Hebal-Malas Index (HMI), in measuring the surgical correction of Pectus Excavatum. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use of WLS to measure the severity of pre- and postbracing intervention of PC deformities and assess corrected difference between the two scans. METHODS: We conducted a prospective review of preintervention WLS scans in pediatric patients with PC from 2015 to 2017. HMI was obtained from the preintervention and postintervention WLS scans. Analysis assessed the differences of pre- and postbracing intervention of measurements. RESULTS: Of 32 patients with both pre- and postbracing scans, 13 (34%) showed improvement of more than 10%, 21 (55%) showed slight improvement of 1%-10%, and 4 (11%) did not improve at follow-up. The average postbracing change in the WLS-derived HMI was 0.10 (SD:0.11). The average length of bracing days was 331.4 (SD: 127.3) with an average of 6.8 h worn per day. Compliance was defined as patient reported utilization of the brace. Patients who were compliant showed a significant improvement (p = 0.004) compared to those who were not compliant (Table 2). However, even patients with moderate compliance still improved in many instances. Change in height was a significant factor correlating with improvement. Children who grew more while wearing a brace showed greater improvement in their deformity. CONCLUSION: Using this technique, we have the ability to objectively quantify the impact of bracing on the severity of PC deformity and measure change in deformity over time. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

[Result of 12 years of non-surgical treatment of pectus carinatum]. / Resultado de 12 años de tratamiento no quirúrgico del pectus carinatum.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in the treatment of pectus carinatum by using the dynamic compression system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study during the period from January 2005 to September 2017. Patients with typical condrogladiolar pectus carinatum and correction pressure (PC) ≤ 14 PSI (pound square inch) were included. Exclusion criteria: patients with previous thoracic surgery, mixed malformations and chondromanubrial pectus carinatum. For the treatment, the Dynamic Thoracic Compressor System (FMF) with pressure meter in PSI was used. The PC, the treatment pressure (PT), the correction time (TC) and the maintenance time (TM), recurrences and complications were analyzed. A qualitative scale was measured in three grades: where A is excellent or very good, B is regular and C is bad. RESULTS: We treated 104 patients under 18 years of age. The PT was 2.26. The average of the TC was 8.8 months. The TM was on average 8 months. 36.5% of the patients finished the treatment, 36.5% still continue in treatment and 26.9% of the patients lost the follow-up due to desertion. The qualitative assessment was positive in 95.5% of our patients, and unfavourable in 4.5%. CONCLUSION: The non-surgical treatment of pectus carinatum is efficient, non-invasive and of low morbidity. Regarding the high dropout rate, we must analyze the variables to be modified to reduce it. This treatment should be considered as the first option to correct pectus carinatum in patients with flexible thorax.

OBJETIVO: Describir nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento del pectus carinatum mediante el uso del sistema de compresión dinámico. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo durante el período de enero de 2005 a septiembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes con pectus carinatum condrogladiolar típico y presión de corrección (PC) ≤ 14 PSI (pound per square inch). Criterios de exclusión: pacientes con cirugía torácica previa, malformaciones mixtas y condromanubriales. Para el tratamiento se utilizó el sistema compresor torácico dinámico (FMF) con medidor de presión en PSI. Se analizaron la PC, la presión de tratamiento (PT), el tiempo de corrección (TC) y el tiempo de mantenimiento (TM), recidivas y complicaciones. Se realizó una escala cualitativa medida en tres grados: donde A es excelente o muy bueno, B regular y C malo. RESULTADOS: Tratamos 104 pacientes menores de 18 años. La PT fue de 2,26. El promedio del TC fue de 8,8 meses. El TM fue en promedio de 8 meses. El 36,5% de los pacientes finalizaron el tratamiento, 36,5% aún continúan en tratamiento y 26,9% de los pacientes se perdió el seguimiento por deserción del mismo. La valoración cualitativa fue positiva en el 95,5% de nuestros pacientes, y desfavorable en el 4,5%. CONCLUSION: El tratamiento no quirúrgico del pectus carinatum es eficiente, no invasivo y de baja morbilidad. Respecto a la alta tasa de deserción, debemos analizar las variables a modificar para disminuirla. Este tratamiento debe ser considerado una opción de primera elección, para corregir el pectus carinatum en pacientes con tórax flexible.

Current Options for the Treatment of Pectus Carinatum: When to Brace and When to Operate?

Pectus carinatum has traditionally been described as a rare chest wall anomaly in comparison to pectus excavatum. However, recent data from chest wall anomaly clinics demonstrate that this deformity is probably much more frequent than once believed. In the past, invasive surgical correction by the Ravitch technique was essentially the only option for treatment of pectus carinatum. Major advances over the past two decades have provided additional options, including noninvasive chest wall bracing and minimally invasive surgical correction. This article will discuss current options for the treatment of pectus carinatum, and some of the factors that should be taken into account when choosing the options available. Diagnosis and treatment of the pectus arcuatum variant will also be described.