Pectus excavatum is associated with which dysfunctional pattern?

Pectus excavatum is associated with which dysfunctional pattern?

• A. Internal rotation of the paired structures of the pectoral girdle
• B. External rotation of the paired structures of the pectoral girdle
• C. Hyperextension of the elbow joints
• D. Lateral flexion of the spine

Answer: (A)

Pectus excavatum often leads to compensatory changes in the shoulder girdle as the body adapts to the sunken sternum and reduced anterior chest wall expansion. The paired structures of the pectoral girdle—the clavicles and scapulae—tend to rotate internally. This inward rotation reorients the scapulothoracic junction and glenohumeral alignment to work with the altered thoracic cavity, helping maintain arm function despite the deformity. External rotation would imply a different postural compensation, while elbow hyperextension and lateral flexion of the spine aren’t directly tied to the chest-wall change in this pattern.

Pectus excavatum often leads to compensatory changes in the shoulder girdle as the body adapts to the sunken sternum and reduced anterior chest wall expansion. The paired structures of the pectoral girdle—the clavicles and scapulae—tend to rotate internally. This inward rotation reorients the scapulothoracic junction and glenohumeral alignment to work with the altered thoracic cavity, helping maintain arm function despite the deformity. External rotation would imply a different postural compensation, while elbow hyperextension and lateral flexion of the spine aren’t directly tied to the chest-wall change in this pattern.