Funnel chest at the baby

In over 80% of people who have a funnel chest, it is already noticeable at birth or during the first year of life. Boys are affected three to four times more often than girls. In total, about 0.5 to 1% of all children are affected.

The cause can be either genetic or idiopathic, which means that no genetic basis can be found. In childhood and adolescence, patients are often free of symptoms because the thorax is still very elastic. With increasing age, often in the course of puberty, however, complaints can still develop.

In some cases, however, the funnel chest can still recede at the age of about two to three years. If there are no symptoms until puberty, there is basically no need for medical action. Regular follow-up examinations should be carried out and, if necessary, physiotherapy or posture training should be carried out.

Treatment with the suction cup is also a possibility. Here, an attempt is made to pull the chest forward by creating negative pressure on the sternum. This treatment method takes several months to years and must be carried out regularly.

Frequently, in addition to the funnel chest, other orthopedic findings occur, which are formed due to the malposition of the upper body. These include the hunchback and scoliosis. However, if physical symptoms occur, there is an urgent need for action and surgical correction is inevitable.

Possible symptoms include the displacement or squeezing of the heart or other organs, such as the lungs. This can reduce physical performance. In addition, there is the psychological strain that can be added as the child grows older. An operation should, however, be carried out from the age of 12 at the earliest, as otherwise there is a risk that the funnel chest will re-form during the course of growth.

Causes

Usually a funnel chest is congenital. The ribs grow faster than the sternum. However, factors such as soft rib cartilage in children and mechanical forces also play a role.