# Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for the Management of Pectus Excavatum: A Single Case Study

## TL;DR

A 25-year-old man with pectus excavatum showed symptom improvement after 14 weeks of osteopathic manipulative treatment, with effects lasting up to 10 months.

## Contribution

This case study demonstrates the potential of osteopathic manipulative treatment to alleviate symptoms in pectus excavatum patients without surgery.

## Key findings

- Somatic dysfunctions improved after 14 weeks of weekly osteopathic manipulative treatment.
- The patient reported durable improvement in chest wall pain for 10 months post-treatment.
- Excursion at the sternal angle increased threefold following treatment.

## Abstract

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a congenital defect that presents with an anterior depression of the chest wall, which can impact cardiopulmonary function. A 25-year-old hypermobile male presented with a history of PE and chronic dyspnea on exertion, chronic cough, and intermittent chest wall pain. This study explores osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as a possible alternative to improve symptoms associated with PE. Osteopathic structural exam (OSE), volumetric measurements of the thoracic cavity, vitals, and pulmonary function tests were evaluated at baseline and after OMT. The patient was treated with 14 weeks of weekly OMT for his exertional dyspnea, cough, and chest wall pain. Somatic dysfunctions were addressed through OMT, which all improved by the end of the 14-week treatment. Notably, the excursion at the sternal angle increased by threefold after complete treatment. The patient reported subjective improvement in all symptoms, with durable improvement in chest wall pain at 10 months after cessation of treatment. The application of OMT can help alleviate symptoms of pectus excavatum and aid in the management of patients who have not received surgical interventions.