Tag: Chest wall deformities

According to the National Institutes of Health, pectus excavatum, or sunken chest, is the most common congenital chest wall abnormality. An abnormal chest formation, also known as a chest wall deformity, is a structural irregularity of the ribs, sternum (breastbone), or cartilage.

It is estimated that up to 25% of the global population has a noticeable body asymmetry. Understanding **what is the difference between asymmetric and symmetric chest** can help distinguish between common anatomical variations and underlying issues, clarifying what is normal and when to seek medical advice.

According to experts, no human body is perfectly symmetrical. For this reason, many people wonder, Why is one side of my chest more out than the other?, and the answer can range from simple muscle dominance to underlying skeletal issues.

Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital deformity of the chest wall, with an incidence of about 1 in 400 live births. The crane technique for pectus excavatum is a modern surgical innovation designed to improve safety and effectiveness over traditional methods by pre-lifting the sternum.

While most people have a standard chest shape, anatomical variations can occur due to genetics or underlying medical conditions. An understanding of what are the different types of chest shapes is the first step toward recognizing a normal variation versus a condition that might require medical evaluation.

Precise global statistics on how many people in the world have pigeon chests, or pectus carinatum, are elusive due to diagnostic inconsistencies and the condition often being mild or unnoticed, though medical literature provides important insights into its occurrence.

Over 80% of people have some degree of asymmetry in their bodies, and the chest is no exception. This guide will explore the various factors behind why a chest might appear uneven and provide a comprehensive answer to the question: is it normal to have an unequal chest?

While the term "types of chest" can be interpreted in several ways, the most medically relevant classification refers to common chest wall deformities that affect an estimated 1 in 400 births. The three main variations are pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and the standard, normal chest wall. This article will provide an in-depth look at these conditions, from their physical appearance to their potential health implications and treatment options.

Pectus excavatum, the most common 'sunken chest' deformity often referred to colloquially as a chest hole, affects approximately 1 in 300 to 1 in 1,000 live births. While not a true hole, the condition's prominence can cause concern and lead many to wonder how rare is a chest hole.

According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, thoracic surgeons are experts in performing operations within the chest cavity. What kind of surgery does a thoracic surgeon do? They specialize in procedures involving the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and diaphragm, among other critical structures.