Pectus Carinatum

‘Pigeon Chest’ affects 1 in 1,000 people
4 out of 5 are adolescent males


What is Pectus Carinatum? 
Pectus Carinatum is often described as ‘pigeon chest’, and usually occurs around the age of 11 years. It is a chest wall deformity caused by overgrowth of the cartilage on either side of the sternum, causing the wall of the chest to protrude or stick out. This can be present from birth but usually develops during the rapid growth of adolescence. 

Pectus carinatum has a prevalence of 0.6%, and research suggests it affects males more often than females. It becomes radically more noticeable during puberty, the severity of which usually worsens during growth spurts in late childhood/adolescence.  

Signs and symptoms of 
Pectus Carinatum 

Pectus carinatum, or pigeon chest, can vary, presenting itself as flexible or stiff, symmetrical or asymmetrical. Signs and symptoms can include:  

  • Protruding Breastbone 
  • Chest Pain/Tenderness 
  • Poor Posture 
  • ​Psychological concerns such as body dysmorphia and reduced self-esteem  

The condition is generally not dangerous or life-threatening with the most common symptoms being psychological but this can impact quality of life at this important age. 

Pectus Carinatum Treatment Options 

Every patient is different, as some cases are easier to correct than others. It has traditionally been treated by surgery; however, this is not offered by NHS England.

As an alternative, orthotic treatment has been used globally and has been shown to effectively return the shape of the chest to a normal appearance.  

Our specialist orthotists at Steeper Clinic can offer treatment using a chest compressor brace. We can choose the most appropriate chest compressor brace, either using the Steeper Chest Compressor orthosis or the PectusLab G-Pad orthosis.  

We take 3D scans to monitor the correction achieved and support you and your child in their treatment journey to ensure that they get the best possible results.  

Early orthotic treatment could prevent the need for any surgical intervention at all.  

It is possible to see correction in as little as 1.5 months with a chest brace such as the PectusLab Gpad brace. However, the treatment can take up to 2 years to achieve and hold correction. This is dependent on age, flexibility, severity and compliance with the treatment protocol. 

Why Choose Steeper Clinic Leeds  

To maximise and enhance our patients’ wellbeing, we work with local allied health care professionals, including specialist consultants and orthopaedic surgeons. This enables us to deliver the highest quality of patient-focused care and provide life-changing treatments to empower our patients.  

Our highly skilled clinicians in the UK specialise in paediatric orthotics, carrying out innovative treatments such as STARband helmets for plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis and chest compressor braces for pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum.   

Steeper is the sole distributor of Pectus Labs chest wall braces in the UK, meaning our patients have access to Pectus Labs’ specialist solutions for the non-surgical treatment of chest wall deformities, improving both physical outcomes and patient confidence. 

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Gemma's Pectus Carinatum Story

"I am very happy that with Kate at Steeper Clinic's help, my treatment is complete and I am more confident in my own body than I have ever been"
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