What are the treatment options for funnel chest?

  Endoscopic medication for funnel chest is not effective. There are several surgical treatment options available for funnel chest. Typical traditional surgeries are: sternal reversal and thoracic rib lift (Ravitch procedure). Both procedures can correct the sternal depression of the funnel chest, but they are difficult for many children and parents to accept because of the trauma to the child (sternum and ribs have to be cut) and the lack of aesthetic wound (long incision in the middle of the chest). This type of surgery is still being performed in many hospitals.  In recent years, a new minimally invasive approach to funnel chest orthopedic surgery has emerged, namely NUSS surgery (thoracoscopic plate placement for sternal lift, also known as minimally invasive funnel chest orthopedic surgery). In this procedure, a shaped alloy steel plate is passed through the back of the sternum through the intercostal space on one side and then through the intercostal space on the other side with the assistance of thoracoscopy, and the plate is flipped to lift the sternum to correct the deformity.  The advantages of this surgery are: 1.Small trauma, no need to break the sternum and ribs.  2.Aesthetic wound: only 2-3cm incisions are made on each side of the chest, and the scar is not obvious after healing.  3.Fast recovery after surgery: traditional surgery requires 2 weeks of lying down after surgery, but you can get up and move around on the 3rd day after this surgery. Because of its minimally invasive, fast recovery and safety features, more and more parents are now asking for this procedure for their children.  For children with mild funnel chest, regular exercise and follow-up are recommended rather than blind surgery. Some children will have their funnel chest corrected with exercise. If the funnel chest gets progressively worse during regular review, surgery is needed at the right time.  The conditions that require surgery are as follows: 1. Age > 3 years, and all can receive surgery from 4 to 24 years old, with the best age being 4 to 12 years old.  2.Moderate to severe funnel chest deformity, Haller index > 3.2 on CT. 3.Pulmonary function tests suggest restrictive or obstructive airway pathology, susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, reduced tolerance to strenuous activity, shortness of breath when running or climbing stairs.  4.The heart is displaced by pressure and the electrocardiogram shows myocardial damage.  5.People who have failed other surgical methods.  6.Adolescents who have a serious psychological burden and require correction of their appearance.