What is the treatment of pigeon chest?
Children with moderate to severe pigeon chest may have orthotic treatment. This means using special equipment to correct the shape of their chest. Your child will wear a chest compression brace. This puts gentle pressure on the chest to change the shape and position of the breastbone, over time.
What is the cause of pigeon chest?
Pectus carinatum, sometimes called pigeon chest, is a non-life-threatening condition. It’s marked by an abnormally outward protruding breastbone caused by rapid cartilage growth forcing the front of the chest cavity outward.
Can pigeon chest cause heart problems?
Pectus carinatum does not typically cause any serious health problems. It may cause troublesome symptoms in some children, however, including shortness of breath, asthma, pain, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate. The outlook for children with pectus carinatum is excellent with the use of a chest brace.
Can pectus Carinatum cause back pain?
Some patients with pectus excavatum experience chest and back pain that is usually musculoskeletal in origin. The exact cause of the pain is poorly understood. Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are frequently associated with scoliosis.
What kind of doctor treats pectus Carinatum?
At Mayo Clinic, specialists from pulmonary medicine, cardiology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation work with surgeons to care for children and adults who have pectus carinatum.
How much is surgery for pectus Carinatum?
Cost of SIMPLE Pectus Surgery The cost for the SIMPLE Pectus surgery for pectus excavatum can vary from $15,000 to $25,000. This is considerably less than the cost of Nuss and Ravitch procedures since no hospital stay is needed.
Is pectus Carinatum surgery safe?
The surgical repair of pectus carinatum, like other extensive surgeries, carries certain risks. While the Ravitch procedure is also safe and effective, complications can occur, including: Pneumothorax (a buildup of air or gas in the pleural space around the lung) Bleeding.
How long is pectus Carinatum surgery?
Your child will be given either intravenous medication, oral medication or an epidural catheter for pain following the surgery. The surgery will take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on the method used for the surgery and your child’s specific condition. Your child will stay in the hospital for about 3 to 7 days.
How painful is pectus surgery?
The pectus repair is a painful procedure. Length of stay is dictated by postoperative pain management. Following the operation, most children stay in the hospital for approximately 5 days. An epidural catheter, placed in the back, will be used to give continuous pain medication.
Does insurance cover pectus Carinatum surgery?
Indications for Coverage Surgical repair of Pectus Carinatum may be considered reconstructive and medically necessary. Requests for coverage of repair of Pectus Carinatum will be reviewed by a UnitedHealthcare Medical Director on a case-by-case basis.
What is a Ravitch procedure?
The Ravitch procedure is a surgery to correct severe pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum. It’s typically used for patients 13 to 22 years old.
Does Cigna Cover pectus excavatum surgery?
Surgical repair of pectus carinatum is considered medically necessary when there is documented evidence of significant physical functional impairment (e.g., cardiac or respiratory insufficiency), and the procedure is expected to correct the impairment.
What is a normal Haller index?
A normal chest has a Haller index of 2 or less. A Haller index between 2 and 3.2 is considered a mild deformity; between 3.2 and 3.5, moderate.; 3.5 or greater, a severe deformity.
What is the best age for Nuss procedure?
The procedure is typically performed from age 10 up until the age of 19. The Nuss procedure involves a concave stainless steel bar that is slipped under the sternum with the assistance of a scope (small camera) using two small incisions on each side of the chest.
Can you fix pectus excavatum without surgery?
The vacuum bell is a non-surgical treatment option for patients with mild or moderate pectus excavatum. While this procedure is non-surgical, it should be used under the supervision of our care team. The vacuum bell is fitted to each patient to sit comfortably on the chest.