Protruding Breastbone
Important facts about a protruding breastbone
There are a few different causes of a protruding breastbone, so it’s important for a doctor to evaluate it and consider all the symptoms before you begin to worry about any one particular disease. Many of the problems that cause a protruding breastbone are hereditary, which basically means that they run in families. However, sometimes a protruding breastbone can simply be caused by a lot of weight loss. Treatment depends entirely on what the underlying cause of the protruding breastbone is.
One of the most common causes of a protruding breastbone is pectus carinatum. This condition is also known as pigeon breast, and it occurs when the sternum and the cartilage of the ribs stick out from the chest in an abnormal way. Pectus carinatum does run in families, and it affects boys a lot more often than girls. Usually this condition begins as a very slight abnormality at birth, although it may not really be noticed until after the child’s 11th birthday. Usually the condition gets worse as the child ages, and doctors will have to step in and correct the problem. Treatment for pectus carinatum is usually a brace that is worn over the breastbone. This will press the bone and cartilage back into the place they are supposed to be. The brace will usually need to be worm for quite some time because it works very gradually. Surgery is also an option, although many insurance companies will not cover the surgical procedure.
Another problem that can cause a protruding breastbone is Marfan syndrome. This condition is a gene defect that causes the body to not produce enough of the protein fibrillin. This protein helps strengthen the walls of the major arteries. Marfan syndrome usually has plenty of other symptoms that go along with it. The problem runs in families, and those who have it are extremely tall. They may also have a curved spin, vision problems, flat feet, loose joints, and shortened muscles. People with Marfan Syndrome are also at a higher risk for heart problems like heart attack or arrhythmia.
Another problem that can cause a protruding breastbone is caused by the xiphoid process. This condition does not run in families but is caused by a lot of weight loss instead. The xiphoid process is a piece of pointed cartilage that is attached to the bottom of the breastbone. Sometimes this joint becomes more pronounced after a lot of weight loss, especially 100 pounds or more. If the xiphoid process sticks out very far, you may opt to have surgery to correct the problem. However, the surgery to correct it is very complex, and you should do everything you can to avoid it. Your doctor may be able to suggest other ways to make the xiphoid process less noticeable.
There may be other problems that can cause a protruding breastbone, although these are the most common issues. You should always consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your health.