[Clinical classification and surgical correction of pectus excavatum]

We described the experience in clinical classification and surgical correction of 320 cases of pectus excavatum (1984-1990). The patients age ranged from 2 to 14 years. According to the configuration, the deformity was divided into types: extensive type (7.5%); common type (74.3%); localized type (12.5%); mixed type or irregular (5.6%). We found such as four characteristic signs shoulder anteversion, kyphosis, chest excavation and abdominal bulge. Rotation of sternum, costal margin eversion, chest asymmetry and flat chest were also encountered. All these made the correction very difficult. A reverse "V" shape osteotomy of the sternum and ribs was with internal fixation. Small hand saw, special periosteum elevator and related internal fixation device were designed for the operation. In severe cases, satisfactory result was obtained by the technique combined with other surgical procedure.