The external Haller index as a new, reliable, and accurate evaluation of pectus excavatum associating clinical assessment, 3-D surface scanning measurement, and MRI.

jpedsurg.org

Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common chest wall deformity. The traditional Haller index (HI), as measured using computed tomography (CT), guides surgical decision-making. Radiation-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and less expensive alternatives, such as clinical thorax calipers or 3-D imaging, can measure the external Haller index (EHI).

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Article · Feb 2026 · 1 min read

In brief

This study validates the external Haller index (EHI) as a radiation-free alternative to CT-based assessment for pectus excavatum severity. Combining clinical calipers, 3-D surface scanning, and MRI, the EHI offers accurate surgical planning without ionizing radiation exposure, particularly valuable in pediatric populations.

External Haller index (EHI) offers radiation-free assessment of pectus excavatum severity using MRI or 3-D surface scanning.
EHI provides a reliable alternative to CT-based traditional Haller index for guiding surgical decision-making in chest wall deformities.
Clinical thorax calipers and 3-D imaging are cost-effective tools for measuring EHI in pectus excavatum evaluation.

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