TRANSITION OF CORRECTIVE PROCEFURE FOR FUNNEL CHEST

Several operative procedures for funnel chest were adapted during recent 15 years. Before 1977, sternal elevation and simple sternal turnover were the standard procedures. Since 1978, sternal turnover procedure preserved with the abdominal rectal muscle were used for 125 cases. This procedure had several advantages, such as good wound healing and comestic superiority of the sternum. But postoperative follow up survey in 1986 revealed a moderate degree of sternal protrusion and costal excavation in 41% cases. Then, the modified sternal plasty was deviced which was changed from the sternal turnover procefure with the abdominal rectal muscle but the sternum was not turned. This new procedure has the physiological cavature in shape and clinical application to 7 cases was resulted in satisfactory outcome.