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PECTUS MATTERS

PM Ribcage Logo - PNG2 52 inch square_edited.png
PM Ribcage Logo - PNG2 52 inch square_edited.png

Pectus Conditions

What is a pectus condition?

Pectus conditions affect the shape and structure of the chest wall: the bone and cartilage which sit on top of the heart and lungs. In patients with pectus conditions, the ribs and sternum are deformed or misshapen, which can cause patients to experience physiological and psychological symptoms. 

Pectus conditions are common: around 1 in 250 people has a misshapen chest. In most patients, the deformity is mild and does not require treatment or cause symptoms: you might notice that some of the world’s top performing athletes, actors and models have a pectus condition. However, there are patients whose deformity can become severe and pose a risk to their physical health and wellbeing. 

  • Scoliosis 

  • Ehlers Danlos Syndrome 

  • Marfan Syndrome 

  • Noonan Syndrome 

  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta  

  • Poland Syndrome 


If you believe that you or your child has characteristics typical of these conditions, we would advise talking to your GP and asking for further testing.  

What causes a pectus condition?

Pectus deformities occur due to the abnormal growth of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. Typically, children present with a pectus deformity during childhood or puberty, when the body is undergoing a significant amount of growth. However, pectus deformities do also present in newborn babies or begin in adulthood once puberty has ended. 

There is no known cause or specific genetic marker that determines whether someone will develop a pectus deformity. They can occur completely on their own, but may present as part of a wider genetic condition, musculoskeletal or connective-tissue disorder. 


Pectus Conditions tend to occur more often in males than females. Whilst there is no clear data on this, it is believed that boys make up a 7:1 ratio of patients. 

Associated conditions

Types of pectus deformity

In Pectus Excavatum the sternum is sunken into the chest, depressed back towards the spine. Typically the dip occurs in the centre of the chest, but may be asymmetrical in appearance: dipping more on one side than the other. 

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Previously referred to as “funnel chest”, Pectus Excavatum is the most common pectus deformity. Most cases will not require any treatment, but those experiencing symptoms may be treated using a vacuum bell (during childhood) or with surgery. 

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For patients looking for a cosmetic fix, implants can be used to change the appearance of the chest. 

PE example (1).jpg

Treatment options

There are several potential treatment options available for those with Pectus excavatum including Non surgical support as the vacuum bell and surgical options as the Nuss procedure.

There are a number of physiological symptoms associated with pectus deformities. These symptoms are very variable. In most cases, especially when a deformity is mild, most patients won’t experience any physiological symptoms. However, there are patients who experience more serious symptoms as a result of the sternum compressing major organs and blood vessels, particularly the heart and lungs.  

  • Poor exercise tolerance 

  • Shortness of breath or breathlessness 

  • Wheezing and coughing 

  • Fatigue 

  • Dizziness 

  • Chest pain 

  • Palpitations 

  • Fainting 

  • Recurring respiratory infections 

  • Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) 

  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing causing nausea, indigestion, reduced food intake, and inability to gain weight) 

Physiological symptoms 

Symptoms range in severity and can result in behaviours such as withdrawal from social situations or specific activities (i.e. swimming). These effects can be especially profound in teenagers and young people as they enter puberty and continue to mature.  

  • Low self esteem 

  • Body dysmorphia 

  • Poor confidence 

  • Anxiety 

  • Depression 

Psychological symptoms 

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