[The effect of the age of the child at the time of surgery for pectus excavatum on respiratory function and anthropometric parameters of the thorax].

Respiratory function and anthropometric parameters of the chest were studied in two groups of children aged 15, undergoing pectus excavatum repair before and after the age of 12, respectively. Mean values of static and dynamic functional respiratory parameters were significantly lower in children operated before the age of 12. Sagital diameters of the chest determined at the level of sternal angle and costal arch intersection were significantly shorter in children operated before the age of 12. Restricted respiratory motility of the chest and shorter sagital diameters are very likely caused by the damage of active ossification centers in the sternum of children. The results support the indications for pectus excavatum repair beyond the age of 12.