The normal shape of the chest in adults should be side to side symmetric chest shape.
Chest movement should be symmetrical on inspiration and expiration.
Observe the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest and compare to the transverse diameter.
The expected anteroposterior-transverse ratio should be 1:2.
Normal findings for chest inspection include: Side to side symmetric chest shape.
The distance from the front to the back of the chest (anterior-posterior diameter) less than the size of the chest from side to side (transverse diameter).
There are two basic types of congenital chest wall deformities which include Pectus Excavatum (sunken chest), and Pectus Carinatum (a protuberant or "pigeon chest").
Some people are born with a combination of the two, which creates an asymmetric deformity.
Conditions affecting the chest wall can either be congenital or developmental (occurring naturally as part of growth) or acquired secondary to other conditions such as surgery or trauma.
Pectus excavatum is an abnormally developed breastbone.
This makes an indentation in your chest wall that can cause physical and emotional issues.
Open or minimally invasive surgery can treat pectus excavatum, allowing you to breathe better and have more stamina.
Mild cases don't need surgery.