[The asymmetry of funnel chest: assessment, incidence, consequences].

Cross-section profile measurements of 154 primary chest wall deformities showed 86 percent punctum maximum deviations and 55 percent asymmetries of the anterolateral chest wall, influencing the frontal and sagittal heart position. Operative consequences of these morphological findings are: Adequate cranial and lateral rib mobilisation and the need of metal strut stabilisation.