From mechanical devices to minimally invasive surgical procedures, children with chest wall malformations now have improved treatment options that did not exist as recently as five years ago. Pain-free recovery, outpatient surgical treatments and zero major complications from the Nuss procedure are some examples.

Children should be referred to a pediatric surgeon as soon as a chest wall malformation is observed, to enable early development of an effective treatment plan. The condition usually worsens over time if left untreated.