One of the Oldest & Busiest Pectus Programs in the Region
The Chest Wall Deformity Program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital has been at the forefront of modern pectus management for more than a decade. Over that time, our specialists have treated hundreds of patients with chest wall deformities. Recognizing that each patient’s needs are unique, we work with every child and his/her family to establish a customized treatment plan.
Team of Specialists
The Chest Wall Deformity Program at Comer Children's consists of a team of pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, pain medicine experts, nurse practitioners and physical therapists who provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to care. Our goal is to help patients get back to their active lives as quickly as possible.
Conditions We Treat
Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall deformity, affecting between one in 300 and one in 500 adolescents. We also regularly treat patients with pectus carinatum. Both types of chest wall deformities are frequently noticed during puberty and are slightly more common in males (a ratio of about three to one).
Pectus excavatum is also known as sunken chest or funnel chest. It occurs when the cartilage, breastbone and ribs do not properly form and are instead pushed inward, leading to a "caved in" appearance of the chest. Learn more about pectus excavatum.
Pectus carinatum is also know as pigeon chest. It occurs when the cartilage, breastbone and ribs do not properly form and become abnormally pushed outward. Learn more about pectus carinatum.
