Deformation of the chest is called a change in the shape of the chest - the musculoskeletal framework of the upper trunk region, which protects the internal organs. If the deformity of the child is present, there is a violation of the functions of the heart, lungs, and also other organs.
What causes the chest to deform?
There are 2 types of this anomaly: congenital and acquired. Congenital deformity of the chest arises when the intrauterine development of the fetus is compromised. The deformation is of a keel-like, flat and funnel-like type.
- The first is characterized by protrusion of the sternum of the child, to which the ribs are attached at right angles. In this case, the thorax has the shape of a keel.
- With funnel-like deformation, the buds of the costal cartilages and the anterior ribs are wedging. According to the degree of deepening, 4 degrees are distinguished: I degree - up to 2 cm, II - up to 4 cm, III - more than 4 cm, IV - up to 6 cm.
- With a flat deformation, the sternum is of reduced size. Deterioration of heart and lung functioning with such changes does not occur.
Studies of the causes of congenital deformities do not give an exact explanation, why in the womb this pathology is formed. But doctors are of the opinion that a significant role in this is played by various teratogenic factors. If this defect is present in relatives, then we can talk about genetic heredity.
As for the acquired deformity of the chest in children, the most common causes are the diseases (rickets, tuberculosis of bones, scoliosis, pulmonary diseases), burns of the sternum and trauma. This deformation is divided into 4 types: emphysematous, paralytic, navicular and kyphoscoliotic.
How to get rid of the deformity of the chest?
Detection of the deformity of the chest, how to treat this defect - this is in the competence of the orthopedist. Since the keeled deformity of the chest in children does not cause disturbances in the function of internal organs, usually no treatment is required. The only thing, children with such pathology are subject to rapid fatigue, dyspnea. But the desire is a plastic surgery - thoracoplasty.
Treatment of funnel-like deformity is caused by the degree of abruption of the thorax. At 1 and 2 degrees, changes are considered a cosmetic defect, therefore conservative treatment is indicated. In this case, special therapeutic exercise is prescribed for chest deformation to inhibit the progressive course of the disease. To a child with such pathology it is useful to go in for sports - for example, basketball, volleyball, rowing, tennis and swimming. Exercises with deformity of the thorax will not correct the defect, but will slow down its development. Particular attention is paid to exercises on the chest (push-up, razvodka dumbbells, pull-ups), because the overgrown muscles will help to hide deformation. Periodic courses of therapeutic massage are also useful.
If, despite playing sports and exercise therapy, there is a progressive nature of chest deformation in children, treatment of the disease is reduced to surgical intervention. Typically, the operation is performed when a small patient is 6-7 years old. It is at this age that the defect ceases to form. A method is popular in which a stump is made in the sternum and a magnetic plate is inserted. Outside, a belt with a magnetic plate is put on the chest. Due to the attraction of magnets, the funnel-shaped deformation is corrected for 2 years.
With the acquired changes in the chest, the disease is first eliminated, which provoked deformation.