Oluseun Olufade, MD, is an Orthopedic Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at the Emory School of Medicine. The sternum protects your heart and lungs by acting as a shield in your chest.

Pectus carinatum, also called a protruding sternum or pigeon chest, is a rare deformity in children. It causes the chest and ribs to stick out further than they should. Only one or two children out of ...

A chest wall deformity is an abnormality in the ribs, sternum (or breastbone), cartilage, and other tissues in your child’s chest. The chest wall protects vital organs like the heart and lungs and ...

Pectus carinatum, also known as pigeon breast or pigeon chest, causes your breastbone and ribs to push outward. Pectus carinatum typically becomes obvious between the ages of 11–16, but it can also ...

Costochondritis is not cancer, but its symptoms can resemble those of some types of cancer. It can also develop after certain ...

Slipping rib syndrome is a medical condition where one or more of the lower ribs become hypermobile, often resulting in pain and discomfort. This occurs when the cartilage that connects the ribs to ...

Chest wall pain may result from an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage. In some cases, home treatments such as hot or cold therapy may help. The cause of chest pain is difficult to diagnose ...

Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MD Key Takeaways Burning in the chest is usually caused by a non-life-threatening medical condition. This is often due to heartburn or GERD, with diet and lifestyle ...