A Review of Current Treatment Trends in Pediatric Chest Wall Abnormalities

Abstract

Pediatric chest wall abnormalities have physiologic and psychological implications on pediatric patients. Current trends are for minimally invasive repair of these abnormalities to improve exercise function and cardiopulmonary reserve. This article provides an overview of current diagnosis, treatment and newer nonsurgical management options for treatment of the most common pediatric chest wall abnormalities. Nonsurgical treatments as well as ancillary reconstructive surgical techniques provide a better cosmetic and functional result with improved tolerance to these procedures.