Patient's question:
Doctor, hello. I want to know what this funnel chest is all about. Can it be treated quickly?Doctor's answer:
Some children with mild symptoms seek medical attention due to psychological or aesthetic factors. Surgical treatment should be administered unless the deformity is relatively mild. Early surgery yields better results, and corrective procedures can be performed after the child is 3-4 years old.Surgical principles:
① Sever the attachment points of the diaphragm to the sternum and xiphoid process, and fully free the posterior surface of the sternum and costal cartilage;
② Sever all connections between the sunken costal cartilage and ribs, and remove a small wedge of excess cartilage if necessary;
③ Make a transverse cut at the junction of the sternum body and the manubrium. The second method, which involves a pedicle, involves rotating the sternum 180 degrees along with the left and right internal thoracic arteries and veins or only the rectus abdominis muscle, forming a cross shape before securing it appropriately.
The pedicle method maintains normal blood supply to the sternum postoperatively, ensuring normal development and growth of the sternum.