A Comparative Study on Short-Term Effects of Compression Orthosis and Exercises in the Treatment of Pectus Carinatum: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Feasibility Trial
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In brief
In brief
Randomized controlled trial comparing compression orthosis wear duration (23 vs 8 hours daily) plus exercises for pectus carinatum treatment in children aged 7-17. Results demonstrate 23-hour orthosis use achieves superior chest wall correction with similar adverse event rates, supporting extended wear protocols over shorter durations.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Introduction Pectus carinatum (PC) is a congenital chest wall deformity which is characterized by the protrusion of the sternum and costal cartilages. Although orthotic and exercise therapies are commonly offered by physicians for PC treatment, there is a lack of evidence on the benefits of exercises and how long the orthosis should be worn. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and feasibility of custom-made compression orthosis and exercises in the treatment of PC.
Materials and Methods Patients with PC aged 7 to 17 years old were randomized into three groups: compression orthosis 23 hours, compression orthosis 8 hours, and control group. All groups received exercises for 1 hour a day for 3 weeks. Additionally, compression orthosis 23 hours group wore the orthosis for 23 hours a day, while compression orthosis 8 hours group wore the orthosis for 8 hours a day. PC protrusion, pressure of correction, thorax lateral and anteroposterior parameters, external chest wall measurements, and Nuss Questionnaire were evaluated before and after the treatment. Also, adverse effects, retention, and compliance were assessed. Feasibility was evaluated by calculating the percentages of recruitment, retention, and safety.
Results The compression orthosis 23 hours group showed greater improvements than the other groups. After treatment, all groups showed significant changes in protrusion, pressure of correction, and external chest wall measurements. Adverse events occurred with similar frequency across groups. Retention percentages did not differ among groups.
Conclusion Compression orthosis use for 23 hours can be recommended rather than its use for 8 hours because 23 hours of orthosis use has better correction and similar adverse effects.