ISSN : 1301-5680
e-ISSN : 2149-8156
Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery     
Incidence of chest wall deformity in 15,862 students in the province of Sivas, Türkiye
Ozgur Katrancioglu1, Yucel Akkas2, Ekber Sahin3, Fatmagul Demir4, Nurkay Katrancioglu5
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Malatya Turgut Özal University, Malatya, Türkiye
2Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
3Department of Thoracic Surgery, Gaziantep Medical Point Hospital, Gaziantep, Türkiye
4Department of Thoracic Surgery, Gaziantep University School of Medicine, Gaziantep, Türkiye
5Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Malatya Turgut Ozal University School of Medicine, Malatya, Türkiye
DOI : 10.5606/tgkdc.dergisi.2023.23325
Background: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of chest deformity in middle- and high-school students in Sivas province of Turkey, to identify the risk factors associated with the psychological and physical disorders caused by the deformity, and to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment guidance by increasing awareness of this problem.

Methods: Between October 2011 and May 2012, a total of 15,862 students (8,508 males, 7,354 females; mean age: 15.9±1.3 years; range, 12 to 19 years) from public schools were included. A number of schools were randomly selected for study, and the students were screened by physical examination. A study protocol was developed in which patients with deformities were questioned about family history and symptoms.

Results: Chest wall deformity was detected in a total of 250 students (1.6%). The prevalence rates of pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum in the children were 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively. The overall prevalence of chest wall deformity was 1.6%.

Conclusion: Chest wall deformity is more common in boys and pectus carinatum is the most common deformity type. Chest wall deformity is more common in the 15-16 age group and female sex is a risk factor for psychological discomfort.

Keywords : Chest wall deformity, prevalence, Turkish population
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