MODERN CONCEPTS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSIS OF CHEST DEFORMITIES

Abstract

Chest deformities occur in 2% of people. Changes (defects) in bone and cartilage tissues reduce both the supporting function of the chest and the necessary amount of mobility. Deformities of the chest (sternum and ribs) are not only a cosmetic defect and cause not only psychological problems, but also quite often lead to impaired function of the chest organs (cardiovascular system and respiratory system). At the same time, the incidence of this pathology is rapidly increasing every year, despite the achievements of medicine. This can be facilitated by such risk factors as: urbanization of the population, physical inactivity, nutritional errors (malnutrition in childhood), chest injuries, regardless of how long ago they occurred (sometimes changes occur years after the injury, depending on the nature of the injury), spinal disorders, metabolic diseases. Thus, chest deformities are one of the most important and economically significant problems in medicine, since they require a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment and prevention. And a clear understanding of the risk factors for chest deformities will allow researchers and practitioners to take a more meaningful approach to the treatment and prevention of this pathology.