Pectus brace treats patient with combination of pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum

LOC’s pectus brace successfully treats teenage patient Aris’ combined pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and rib flaring.

Aris, who is now 15, is very tall, over 6ft 3 ins, thin, and a keen swimmer. He was 13 years old when he became aware that one of his bones in his chest seemed to be sticking out. To begin with, his parents attributed this to a side effect of the amount of swimming Aris was doing, both training and competing. They thought it might be a sign of chest development rather than an issue.

However, as it became more and more pronounced, they visited their GP and an X-ray was arranged and taken. Unfortunately, they never heard back. Daniela, Aris’s mum searched the internet, and after some searching found photos of patients with what she discovered was a condition called pectus carinatum or pectus excavatum. Daniela recalls “at least we now knew what Aris had, all we needed was to find someone who could treat the condition.” More searching ensued and Daniela found the London Orthotic Consultancy.

Following an initial virtual consultation with Sam Walmsley, joint founder of LOC and pioneer of bracing treatment for pectus conditions in the UK, Aris had a face-to-face consultation in January 2023.

He presented with a complex chest shape, with both pectus carinatum (to the right side of his chest) and pectus excavatum (to the left). He also showed signs of associated rib flaring. Aris comments, “Sam was explicit about what the treatment would be like, how many hours I would need to wear the brace and the exercise regime I would need to follow. But because we had had the virtual consultation previously I knew what to expect and thought that I was up for it.”

Because of the complexity of his condition, Aris’s treatment consisted of wearing a Dynamic Chest Compressor for his pectus carinatum, a Vacuum Bell for his pectus excavatum and a smaller brace to tackle his flared ribs. He was also required to wear the braces for at least 20 hours a day.

Aris says: “To be frank, it was tough at the beginning and we did need to get the braces adjusted as they were too tight and causing bruising but Sam sorted things out quickly and then after about a month, I noticed significant improvements in my pectus carinatum; this obviously was extremely encouraging and a positive motivation.”

The London Orthotic Consultancy’s pectus treatment protocol includes online pectus yoga sessions with Alva Yoga. Aris has been diligent in keeping to these weekly sessions while also doing his own exercise routines when he gets back from school. Daniela commented: “Alva has been brilliant and very helpful. The yoga sessions have really helped Aris to relax about his condition.”

At his last review in March, Sam noted that “the upper brace has worked to reduce the pectus carinatum significantly, and there is now a significant improvement in the overall rotation of his sternum. His chest shape is within a range of moderate to normal and I feel the only issue is the excavatum to the left side.”

Daniela remarks: “You can tell the difference it has made to Aris. I go with him to his swimming training, and before he began treatment, he used to be really self-conscious about his chest and used to cover it with his hands by the poolside. Now he doesn’t.”

“It’s life-changing really. My swimming coach has even remarked what a difference my treatment has made" - Aris

Aris himself says: “Sam has been great throughout the process, too. He’s so easy to talk to and totally straight with me about the input that is needed from me to get the best possible improvements to my chest shape. So my message to any teenagers in the same boat as me is it’s tough, but it is definitely worth it.”

A final word from Daniela: “There’s a whole team of people involved at LOC, but I would just like to mention Magda, Sam’s PA specifically, she is always on the ball and helpful, incredibly efficient in sorting things out.”

If you or your child is concerned about pectus deformity or uncertain about treatment options, you can schedule a free virtual consultation with one of our pectus specialists today.