What specialist treats Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest)?

From the Guidelines

Pediatric thoracic surgeons or orthopedic surgeons are the specialists who typically treat pectus carinatum, as they have the expertise to address the condition's complexities and provide appropriate care. When a child is diagnosed with pectus carinatum, ideally, a pediatric surgical specialist should be consulted to discuss the best course of treatment, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. The treatment approach for pectus carinatum varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's age. Some key considerations include:

• The severity of the protrusion
• The patient's age and whether their chest wall is still flexible
• Any associated symptoms like pain or breathing difficulties
• The potential need for non-surgical interventions, such as bracing systems, or surgical correction. In cases where a pediatric surgical specialist is not readily available, the primary care pediatrician or physician should consider consulting with one to determine the best approach for the patient, taking into account geographical constraints and the potential benefits of traveling to a center with a pediatric surgical specialist for care 1.

From the Research

Specialist for Pectus Carinatum Treatment

The treatment of pectus carinatum involves various medical specialties, including:

• Thoracic surgery, as indicated by studies such as 2 and 3
• Pediatric surgery, as mentioned in 3 and 4
• Orthopedic specialists may also be involved in the treatment of pectus carinatum, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies
• Other specialists, such as cardiologists or psychologists, may be involved in the treatment of patients with pectus carinatum, particularly those with associated conditions or psychological impacts, as discussed in 4 and 5

Treatment Options

Treatment options for pectus carinatum include:

• Dynamic compression system (DCS) bracing, as described in 2 and 5
• Ravitch surgery, as mentioned in 2 and 3
• Other surgical techniques, such as the Abramson procedure, as noted in 2
• Non-surgical techniques, including vacuum bell therapy, as discussed in 4

Factors Influencing Treatment Choice

The choice of treatment for pectus carinatum depends on various factors, including:

• Severity of the deformity, as implied by 2 and 4
• Patient motivation and compliance, as emphasized in 2 and 5
• Presence of associated conditions, such as Marfan syndrome or Poland syndrome, as mentioned in 2
• Patient age and growth stage, as discussed in 2 and 4