Chest Wall Deformities

Christine Goh discusses the two most common Congenital chest wall deformities. These are characterized by abnormal development and appearance of the chest wall. These can be categorized as rib cage overgrowth or deformities related to inadequate growth, accounting for over 90% of congenital chest wall deformities. In general, most patients are asymptomatic, but cardiopulmonary problems may accompany the disease. The indication for treatment is primarily cosmetic. Treating patients before they reach adulthood increases the chance of success. Surgical treatment can be open or minimally invasive. We will touch on sternal abnormalities briefly.