Pectus carinatum.

In the mirror of the pertinent literature, we present our experiences gained in 161 operations for pectus carinatum. The Type I (keel chest) deformity is corrected by bilateral resection of the costal cartilages, transverse osteotomy of the sternum, detachment of the xiphoid process, and resection of the lower end of the body of the sternum. The sternum is maintained in its corrected position by utilizing the pulling force of the rectus muscles through the reattached xiphoid and by tacking the pectoralis muscles together in front of the breast bone. Type II (pouter pigeon breast) is handled by double transverse osteotomy, chiseling off the protuberant portion of the strernomanuberial junction, and by supporting the lower sternal body with either the suspended xiphoid process or with Marlex mesh. Limited forms of Type III (asymmetrical or lateral pectus carinatum) are managed with simple resection of the involved cartilages only. If the anomaly is more extensive, bilateral resection of the cartilages and correction of the sternal axis is carried out.