In addition to funnel chest and keel chest, there is a wide range of other deformities of the chest wall. These include Poland syndrome, for example, in which one half of the chest may be incompletely formed. We offer an interdisciplinary treatment concept for these patients. Together with the MHH Clinical Departments for Cardiothoracic and Thoracic Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we can design an individual treatment concept for each patient. It is possible to reconstruct the missing or incompletely formed ribs using titanium implants and to replace the missing muscles with the body's own muscles. These corrections, which we carry out during a single interdisciplinary session, can achieve a cosmetic and functional improvement in the findings.

Rib fractures

The treatment of isolated or multiple rib fractures through to unstable thoracic cage (unstable thoraces) is still the subject of controversial debate. As there is currently no suitable system for stabilizing broken ribs, especially in growing patients, most rib fractures are treated conservatively today. In the case of extensive findings, this means a longer stay in the intensive care unit with artificial respiration and placement of chest drains*. Less dramatic injuries require intensive pain treatment and involve a high risk of developing pneumonia if the patient does not adequately ventilate their lungs in a recovery position.
We also offer an interdisciplinary treatment concept for these patients (children and adults of all ages). We have found that in individual cases, surgical stabilization of rib fractures can significantly reduce the disadvantages of conservative treatment. For this purpose, we use a recently developed stabilization system that is inserted with comparatively little surgical effort and does not necessarily have to be removed again later.

We are happy to provide information about these modern forms of rib fracture treatment.

* Thoracic drainage: This involves opening the rib cage and the parietal pleura through an intercostal space, inserting a drainage tube and then applying controlled suction to drain the pleural cavity.

Tumors of the chest wall

Primary or secondary tumors of the chest wall occasionally require extensive removal of several ribs and the surrounding tissue. Reconstruction of the chest wall poses a particular challenge in this case. This is because large defects offer no protection to the underlying lung and even promote its displacement into the intercostal space (herniation = chest wall fracture). In addition, the loss of several ribs can promote the development of a curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Unfortunately, there is currently no standardized system with long-term experience that can be used to bridge or close defects in the chest wall. As with the stabilization of rib fractures, we also offer the use of a recently developed stabilization system, which we would be happy to inform you about in a personal consultation