The restricted growth and expansion of the lungs caused by this disorder results in life-threatening breathing difficulties; occurring in 1 in every 100,000-130,000 live births in the United States.

[4] Jeune syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the way a child's cartilage and bones develop.

Their rib cages (thorax) are smaller and narrower than usual, which inhibits the child's lungs from developing fully or expanding when they inhale.

[9] In severe cases, surgical action is needed; otherwise, failure to intervene can result in pulmonary damage and eventual fatality.

Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) surgery is the most common treatment for severe chest wall deformities.

[10] Alternatively, lateral thoracic expansion is used to enlarge the chest wall by separating the ribs from their periosteum and covering them with titanium struts.

It can be done as an enlargement of the thoracic cage by sternotomy and fixation with bone grafts, or a methylmethacrylate prostheses plate.