Help docs! my 9 year old daughter has a pectus excavatum?

How severe?: Take her to a pediatric cardiac surgeon. If the deformity is small it may not need anything. If it is severe, it would have not taken you 9 years to realize it, it would have been repaired by now. So i'm thinking it is not too deformed. 2 common repairs, nuss procedure or classic repair. Your pediatric cardiac surgeon can advise. When costal cartilage's grow fast lengthwise may push bone in/out.

Relax: Talk to your pediatrician. Most pectus patients have few if any symptoms. If they are present, exercise intolerance, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc, can be seen. Most children lead full and active lives with no therapy. If you want to have it repaired for cosmetic or psychological factors, talk to you doctor about timing. If done too early, recurrence is possible.

Ped surgery referral: Have her evaluated by a pediatric surgeon. The closest center of excellence to you for this repair is CHKD in Norfolk, VA (www.chkd.org). In the meantime, work on her posture and encourage aerobic activities.

Imaging: An imaging study of the chest to determine the severity and pulmonary function testing is advised. Most do not require repair.