Surgical correction of funnel chest

To present our experience in surgical treatment of funnel chest.

Seven patients (6 males and 1 female) aged 13 to 18 years were treated in the Department using Rathke-Schlegel's modification of Ravitch operative technique. In 2 patients the corrected deformity status was maintained by 2 Kirschner's pins that were placed substernally and attached bilaterally to the adjacent ribs. In one patient a direct traction through the sternum was applied and in 4 patients the fixation was achieved by fastening the sternum with wire loops to an overlying AO plate.

Very good results were achieved in 4 patients (57.14%) and a good outcome was evaluated in 3 patients with 30% recurrence of the deformity. There was no lethal outcome. Three complications were encountered: in one patient hemothorax occurred that was cured by a single punction aspiration, in other patient one of the Kirschner's pins slipped into the thoracic cavity. The pin but did not injure intrathoracic organs and was promptly removed. In the third patient earlier removal of the plate was required because suppuration developed.

The presented method for correction of chest deformity is successful if the implants are kept in place from 6 to 12 months. This time is sufficient for formation of a solid callus that prevents recurrence of the deformity.