The Correction Index: Setting the Standard for Recommending Operative Repair of Pectus Excavatum

The correction index provides an accurate assessment of pectus severity, and by the nature of the measurement, reflects the potential degree of operative repair. The Haller index correlates well with the correction index in pectus patients with standard chest wall dimensions, but is quite discrepant in the nonstandard chest. We recommend operative repair for pectus excavatum with a correction index of 28% or more, because this value correlates with the long-accepted standard (Haller index ≥3.25) and this index remains accurate even in nonstandard chest morphologies.