Keel breasts, also known as funnel breasts or chicken breasts , are a keel-shaped deformation of the breastbone. Those affected often feel psychologically burdened by the keel chest. However, keel breasts are not medically problematic. Those affected usually have treatments carried out for aesthetic reasons.
Further information and selected keel chest specialists can be found below.
A keel chest (pectus carinatum) is a keel-shaped deformation of the breastbone. It is the 2nd most common congenital condition in childhood. Doctors differentiate between a symmetrical and an asymmetrical form of keel chest:
The exact reasons for the occurrence of pectus carinatum (medical term for keel chest) are controversial. However, there is a generally accepted explanation. This states that the keel chest is caused by excessive growth of the cartilage connections in the chest area (connections between the breastbone and ribs).
Only in rare cases is a predisposition to a keel chest present at birth. In most cases, the funnel chest develops during the growth phase in childhood. The deformity also appears to occur more frequently in certain families. However, scientists have not yet been able to determine an exact hereditary pathway. Boys are more frequently affected than girls.
The most well-known malformations of the ribcage include the funnel chest (pectus excavatum) and the keel chest @ Pepermpron /AdobeStock
In some cases, the keel chest occurs as a concomitant symptom of another disease. The following primary diseases can cause the breast area to bulge:
Patients with a keel chest are often psychologically burdened by their physical deformity. Teasing or strange looks are the order of the day for them. Kiel breasts therefore often have a negative effect on patients' self-esteem and self-satisfaction. The psychological stress is usually the reason why those affected consult a doctor.
However, medical problems can also arise in connection with pectus carinatum. Some patients are unable to sleep because of the pain. Abdominal sleepers in particular wake up several times a night because of the pain.
They are usually given painkillers so that they can sleep through the night again. Pain can also be caused by localized trauma to the sternum.
The following treatments are possible for a keel chest:
Conservative treatment of the keel breast
A pressure bandage (pad) is used as a conservative method, particularly in young patients who are still growing. The pad is a pressure bandage that is designed to press the sternum back into place by applying constant pressure from the outside.
This method can only be used if the chest area is not yet fully grown andfirm. Due to the constant pressure, the pad is associated with pain and discomfort.
Surgical treatment is carried out by keel chest specialists. Surgery is advisable if the chest can no longer be compressed. In other words, when the patient has reached the end of the pubertal growth phase.
During open surgery, doctors expose the chest wall to allow access to the cartilage connections. They then remove the cartilage connections and push the sternum back into its original position. Doctors fix and secure the sternum in its new position with metal implants.
A minimally invasive alternative is the MIPCR (Minimally Invasive Pectus Carinatum Repair) procedure. In the MICPR procedure, the surgeon makes a longitudinal incision on both sides of the rib cage.
He then attaches stabilizers to the ribs and inserts a stirrup. The stirrups and stabilizers help to lift the curvature. However, not every keel chest is suitable for MIPCR. You should discuss whether you are suitable for a minimally invasive procedure with a keel-breast specialist.
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