Evaluating Skeletal Maturity at Time of Surgical Correction of Pectus Excavatum Based on Medial Clavicle Epiphyseal Ossification.

The Schmeling-Kellinghaus classification system is a valid proxy of skeletal maturity that can be applied with high inter-rater reliability. SCOPE during stage 1 was found to have less postoperative pain and narcotic use than more mature stages. This is proof of concept that skeletal maturity should be considered when determining optimal timing of surgical correction. Future research will evaluate the impact of skeletal maturity on postoperative outcomes.