Trågbröst

Trågbröst, also known as pectus excavatum, is a congenital chest wall deformity characterized by a caved-in appearance of the sternum. It is the most common congenital chest wall deformity, affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 live births. The condition is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, which pushes the sternum inward. The severity of pectus excavatum can vary widely, from mild to severe. In severe cases, the deformed chest wall can compress the heart and lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and exercise intolerance.

The exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown, but it is believed to have a genetic component. It is more common in males than females and is often associated with other genetic syndromes such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination and imaging studies such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.

Treatment for pectus excavatum depends on the severity of the deformity and the presence of symptoms. Mild cases may not require any treatment, while more severe cases may benefit from surgical correction. The most common surgical procedure is the Nuss procedure, which involves inserting a metal bar behind the sternum to lift it forward. Another surgical option is the Ravitch procedure, which involves removing excess cartilage and repositioning the sternum. Rehabilitation after surgery typically includes physical therapy to improve lung function and chest wall mobility.