Pulmonary Physical Therapy in Pectum Excavatum and Down Syndrome

Pectum excavatum is the most frequent congenital malformation of the anterior thoracic wall and is present in 90 to 92% of cases. It is defined as a depression of the sternum with externalization of the most caudal costal cartilages giving a funnel chest appearance. In Mexico it occurs in 1 out of every 1000 live births. This congenital malformation may be associated with congenital connective tissue disorders in 30 to 40% such as Down syndrome. It is necessary to make visible the needs of attention from the field of Pulmonary Physiotherapy in this type of population.