Results of operative treatment of the pectus carinatum.

AIM OF THIS STUDY: Evaluation of the efficiency of the operative treatment for pectus carinatum depending on the type of deformity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 65 subjects following surgical procedures due to pectus carinatum deformity between 1997 and 2003 were analyzed. Surgical correction of the deformity depended on the localization of the sternal protrusion, grade of asymmetry and severity of the deformity. Radiological severity index of the deformity (Haller's index-HI) and patients' subjective evaluation were collected to assess the grade of deformity and the results of treatment. RESULTS: Very good or good results were achieved after a mean period of 38 months of follow-up in all subjects who undergone surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: It was proven that stabilization of the osteotomy sternum site with a non-absorbable suture sufficiently enough protects against relapses of the malformation and hypercorrection.