If you would like to order the WPC Compressor, a custom designed orthosis to minimize Pectus Carinatum;
1. Please review the PDF regarding casting procedures, wearing protocol, and Lcode.
2. Next, fill out the Orthometry Order Form (PDF) and fax both pages to (813) 985-4499.
3. If you require more information about the brace please see the FAQ's (PDF), review the information below, or call Brian Whitacre or Greg Bauer at (813) 985-5000. Thank you.
The WPC Compressor 
Before/ After .jpg)
Pectus Carinatum, which is referred to as "pigeon chest," is one of the most common chest wall deformities. Pectus Carinatum occurs when a patient’s chest is pushed outward. This outward appearance is caused by the sternum (breastbone) being pushed out by the ribs or because the sternum itself is angled outward along the midline. This occurs due to the excessive growth and structural abnormalities of the cartilage of the breastbone and/or ribs. This condition seems to appear more often in boys and it usually develops later for them than it does for young girls. The severity of this abnormality generally worsens during growth spurts in late childhood and adolescence. The deformity may be very minor in early childhood and may suddenly become severe during puberty and adolescence. The cause is unknown, however, it may be genetically linked considering it recurs in families.
There are two forms of treatment of Pectus Carinatum-surgery or external bracing. In severe cases, surgery is used to restore normal chest contour. In mild to moderate cases, a brace pushing directly on the sternum can correct the condition.
For more information about Westcoast Brace & Limb's Pectus Carinatum bracing or to make an appointment, please contact our Corporate office at (813) 985-5000 or toll free at 1-888-552-2555. You can e-mail gbauer@wcbl.com for more information.
Bracing is a key ingredient in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, the problem with bracing is the inability for the physician, orthotist and parents to guarantee that the adolescent is wearing his or her brace 23 out of the 24 hours in a day. Since it can be difficult to keep an adolescent in a brace full-time, there has been the development of a few underarm scoliosis braces, including the Charleston Bending Brace and the Providence Scoliosis System, that are worn only while the patient is sleeping. These nighttime braces may not be options for all adolescent scoliosis patients, but they can be very effective for those with less severe curves.
The Providence brace, which was developed in 1992 as an alternative to the Charleston Bending brace, is fabricated with modern CAD-CAM computer techniques rather than plaster castings of the patients.
While it may take some time for the patient to get comfortable sleeping in a nighttime brace, studies show that compliance is much greater than for a full-time brace. The Providence brace generally is more effective for patient’s with curves under 35 degrees. Depending upon the physician and orthotist’s evaluation, some patients with curves over 35 degrees may be candidates for the Providence brace, but if they are not, there are a variety of other options to help treat the scoliosis and appease the patient wearing the brace.
For more information on Scoliosis bracing options, please contact Westcoast Brace & Limb's corporate office at (813) 985-5000 or toll free at 1-888-552-2555. You can e-mail gbauer@wcbl.com for more information.