To perform open heart surgery, a surgeon cuts through the sternum in a procedure known as a sternotomy. It is a major operation that involves a lengthy healing process that can take months or years.

‌‌The sternum – sometimes called the breastbone – is the flat bone in the center of your chest. Your ribs and collarbone connect to your sternum. A break in your sternum is also known as a sternal ...

There are two main types of chest wall deformity: pectus carinatum, or pigeon chest, and pectus excavatum, or funnel chest. The former pushes out; the latter sinks in. Though there can be a genetic ...

Pectus carinatum, also called a protruding sternum or pigeon chest, is a rare deformity in children. It causes the chest and ribs to stick out further than they should. Only one or two children out of ...