Variation of the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum relative to age, race, and sex

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:To determine possible variations in the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum relative to age, race, and sex in individuals free of thoracic wall deformities.METHODS:Between 2002 and 2012, 166 individuals with morphologically normal thoracic walls consented to have their chests and the perimeter of the lower third of the thorax measured according to the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum. The participant characteristics are presented (114 men and 52 women; 118 Caucasians and 48 people of African descent).RESULTS:Measurements of the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum were statistically significantly different between men and women (11–40 years old); however, no significant difference was found between Caucasians and people of African descent. For men, the index measurements were not significantly different across all of the age groups. For women, the index measurements were significantly lower for individuals aged 3 to 10 years old than for individuals aged 11 to 20 years old and 21 to 40 years old; however, no such difference was observed between women aged 11 to 20 years old and those aged 21 to 40 years old.CONCLUSION:In the sample, significant differences were observed between women aged 11 to 40 years old and the other age groups; however, there was no difference between Caucasian and people of African descent.

Management of deep pectus excavatum (DPE)

“…In spite of these shortcomings, and based on our experience in PE and DPE, we can safely declare that when adopting the anthropometric index (21,22) for simple measurement and the maneuvers herein, the surgeries were more easily performed and the risk of pericardial sac and cardiac injury was markedly reduced in the treatment of patients who could be classified as DPE, asymmetric deformities, older patients with very stiff thoracic cages, as well as cases in which we have had to use more than one bar or a complex repair rig with the adoption of two or more surgical techniques. In conclusion, until a definitive Figure 12 Rubber film protection in a previous aligned bar.…”

Special issue on pectus surgery diagnosis in chest wall deformities

“…Measurements A divided by B gives the SDI. An SDI of <2.4 is associated with mild sternal deformity, moderate sternal deformity is associated with an SDI of 2.4-2.9 and an SDI of >2.9 is conclusive of severe sternal deformity (5,6).…”