Scoliosis in Prader-Willi syndrome

Children with Prader-Willi syndrome frequently have musculoskeletal problems such as joint hyperlaxity, hypotonia, delayed bone age, and scoliosis. Their musculoskeletal problems are magnified by the extreme obesity most of these patients exhibit. In certain cases, such as scoliosis, the Prader-Willi patient is placed at significant risk for increased morbidity and mortality. Our paper emphasizes the accurate diagnosis of this syndrome, proper dietary management, and some guidelines regarding surgical evaluation and management of a patient with significant scoliosis.