Commentary: In with the new: three-dimensional surface imaging for pectus excavatum

Patients with pectus excavatum have historically been evaluated with computed tomography (CT) scans, from which a Haller index may be calculated.1 It is traditionally thought that a Haller index of>3.25 constitutes a significant pectus excavatum deformity, although one limitation of using this parameter is that it can overestimate or underestimate the distortion of the chest wall in individuals because of the overall shape of the thoracic cavity. The correction index, which takes into account whether or not patients are built “thin” or “deep” in an anteroposterior dimension, can be utilized to correct for body habitus.
Source: Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: THORACIC – Commentary Source Type: research