X-ray spectral microanalysis of the sternum in patients with congenital pectus excavatum

Aim. To study the mineral composition of the sternum in patients with congenital funnel-shaped deformations of the chest. Methods. X-ray spectral microanalysis of the sternum was performed in 10 patients with pectus excavatum aged 1417 years (30 zones) on a scanning electron microscope with an accelerating voltage of 25 kV. The results of the sternum examination of 3 patients aged 1416 years (10 zones) operated on for other diseases were used as the control. Results. Graphic images of mineralization of each investigated zone of the sternum were obtained. As a result of processing the graphic data, the IBAS-200 system obtained average atomic orbital values, weight and atomic percent, net and background intensities and their ratios, intensity errors of the elements-constituents of mineral matrix of the sternum. The structures of the sternum in the main and control groups did not differ. The predominant elements are oxygen (O), phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca). Their net intensity in patients and in healthy subjects of the corresponding age was 101.162.78 and 99.231.97 (р 0.001), respectively; 402.382.23 and 421.281.99 (р 0,001); 586.412.37 and 601.321.99 (р 0.001). Net intensity of phosphorus and calcium in healthy children was higher by 2.54.5%, and that of oxygen was lower by 1.9%. An important indicator is the ratio of the net and background intensities of the elements. Conclusion. Net intensity of phosphorus and calcium in healthy children was higher, in the pathogenesis of the deformation of the chest, the sternum changes its shape secondarily.