Funnel chest is a congenital and often familial condition. It is more common in males than females, with a reported male to female ratio of 4:1, and is a dominant trait. The incidence of funnel chest is 2.5 per 1,000 in those with a family history, while in those without a family history, the incidence of funnel chest is only 1.0 per 1,000. The cause of funnel chest is unknown and is thought to be genetically related. Funnel chest is a progressive lesion that may be present at birth, but often becomes more pronounced after a few months or even years and is detected by parents. The external appearance is characterized by a sunken anterior chest, anteriorly extended shoulders, a slight hunchback and a prominent epigastrium. Indications for surgery include two or more of the following criteria: (1) thoracic index greater than 3.20 on CT; (2) pulmonary function suggestive of restrictive or obstructive airway pathology, impaired small airway ventilation and reduced ventilatory reserve function; (3) cardiac impairment on ECG and echocardiography; (4) development of the funnel chest deformity with significant symptoms; (5) psychological and psychiatric problems due to the deformity in the appearance of the funnel chest (5) The appearance of the funnel chest deformity causes psychological and psychiatric problems. It is generally considered that 6 to 12 years of age is the best time for Nuss surgery to correct a funnel chest. The age of surgery reported in the domestic literature is mostly from 3 to 15 years old. In actual clinical work, the best age for Nuss surgery is generally 3-12 years old, but age is not an absolute factor in the choice of surgery and should be carefully chosen according to the severity of the patient’s funnel chest, related symptoms and the patient’s subjective wishes. Symmetrical funnel chest is the best indication for Nuss surgery because it is stable and not easily displaced after Nuss plate placement, and the anterior chest wall is symmetrical on both sides with a full appearance after support. Patients with extensive symmetric funnel chest, especially older patients with flat chest, can be considered for placement of two Nuss plates or obliquely placed plates with one to two rib gaps staggered on both sides. According to the principle of Nuss surgery, Nuss plates are routinely left in place for 2 to 4 years after surgery. In older patients, patients with severe funnel chest or postoperative recurrence, the duration of plate placement should be moderately extended.