[Differentiated approach to the method of sternum stabilization in surgical treatment of funnel chest in children].

Experience in surgical treatment of 186 patients with funnel chest deformity (FCD) is generalized. With consideration for the great variety of the forms of deformity of the plastron, simple and complicated forms of FCD are distinguished. The simple forms include isolated, symmetrical, low (beginning from the level of the fourth rib) II-III degree deformities, the complicated forms include wide, II-III degree deformities beginning from the level of the second rib, and flat asymmetrical deformities. The use of a metal plate as a stabilizer in complicated forms of FCD is suggested. The optimal method of treatment in simple forms of the deformity is thoracoplasty with fixation of the sternum in the corrected position by means of a nitinol clip.