Modified versus classic Nuss repair for pectus excavatum in adolescents

Single-Center Retrospective Comparative Analysis Of Modified Vs. Classical Nuss Technique In The Surgical Correction Of Pectus Excavatum "

Observational University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT07312448

This research will see if the modified or classic Nuss procedure gives shorter surgery time, less postoperative pain, shorter ICU stays, and better cosmetic results for teens with pectus excavatum.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages11 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Strasbourg)
Trial IDNCT07312448 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a retrospective observational comparison of adolescents (11–18 years) who underwent either the classic or modified Nuss repair at CHU de Strasbourg between 2010 and 2024. Eligible patients have a Haller index of 2.25 or higher and data will be collected from surgical records, pain scores, ICU stay documentation, and follow-up cosmetic assessments. The study will compare operative time, postoperative pain control, length of ICU stay, complications, and cosmetic outcomes between the two technique groups using standard statistical methods. Findings aim to highlight any technique-related differences that could inform surgical practice for pectus excavatum.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 11–18 with pectus excavatum and a Haller index ≥2.25 who underwent either the classic or modified Nuss procedure between 2010 and 2024.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 11 or older than 19, those with a Haller index below 2.25, or those treated with Ravitch or other non-Nuss techniques will not be included and are unlikely to benefit from the study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one approach shows clear advantages, patients could receive the technique associated with shorter operations, less pain, and improved cosmetic results.

How similar studies have performed: There are surgical series reporting outcomes for Nuss variations, but direct head-to-head comparative data between classic and modified techniques remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 11 to 18 years.
* Patients who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2024 using either the classic or modified Nuss technique. - Patient with a Haller index of 2.25 or higher.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a Haller score below 2.25.
* Patients who have undergone surgery using alternative techniques such as Ravitch or modified Ravitch.
* Patients under 11 years of age or over 19 years of age.

Where this trial is running

Strasbourg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pectus ExcavatumNuss techniquesModified Nuss Technique
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.