An improved method for repair of pectus chest deformities

An improved method for repair of pectus excavatum is presented. The method may also be used for repair of asymmetrical funnel chest and pectus carinatum.The principles of repair are to (1) remove the deformed costal cartilages, (2) eliminate the flare of the lower ribs, (3) place the sternum in its normal anatomical position, and (4) reestablish costosternal union.Deformed cartilages are excised subperichondrially. Removal of the costal margin is carried to the apex of the defect. The margin is then made continuous by approximating the free ends in the midline. This latter maneuver eliminates the costal flare. The remaining ribs are brought into apposition with the sternum. The sternum is immediately stable in the normal anatomical position. No extrinsic devices are used.