Joe A Shaw PA-C - 8/13/2008

Question
My 13 year old son has developed a pronounced difference between the left and right side of his sternum.  It appears as though where the ribs attach on the right side is about 3/4" farther out than where the ribs attach on the left side making the right side of his chest seem swollen as though the ribs are being pushed outward.  Each side of his chest looks normal, just one side seems much "deeper" than the other.  What are the possible causes of this and what steps should we take?

Answer
D,
It is probably just pectus carinatum or "pigeon Chest". It is more common in boys and happens around 11-14 yrs. Not a whole lot to do unless it is severe enough to cause breathing or movement problems etc..
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site698/mainpageS698P0.html