Deformities of the Thorax
The chest is deformed in such a way that the transverse diameter is decreased and the antero-posterior diameter is increased. This produces the typical pigeon breast. Such deformity is caused from the softening of the thoracic bones. Beading of the ribs is characteristic and is known as the rachitic rosary. These nodules are formed at the junction line of the costal cartilages and the ribs. While these nodules are always present, they are not always visible. The rachitic gurgle, which is a transverse depression extending from one side of the chest to the other and is about two inches broad, is also present.