There are two main types of chest wall deformity: pectus carinatum, or pigeon chest, and pectus excavatum, or funnel chest. The former pushes out; the latter sinks in. Though there can be a genetic ...

Pectus carinatum, also called a protruding sternum or pigeon chest, is a rare deformity in children. It causes the chest and ribs to stick out further than they should. Only one or two children out of ...

If your child has concerns about the appearance of theirpectus carinatum, your doctor might recommend a chest brace to correct the pigeon-chested look that the condition causes. They may refer you to ...

Pectus excavatum is a developmental issue with the chest in which the sternum or breastbone caves inward and creates a sunken appearance. It is also known as cobbler’s chest or funnel chest. Pectus ...

Oluseun Olufade, MD, is an Orthopedic Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at the Emory School of Medicine. The sternum protects your heart and lungs by acting as a shield in your chest.