The orthopaedic manifestations of prune-belly (Eagle-Barrett) syndrome

Forty children were managed for prune-belly syndrome between 1979 and 1989, and twenty-five of them had musculoskeletal abnormalities. The musculoskeletal abnormalities were primary in twenty-two children, secondary to renal osteodystrophy in one, and both primary and secondary to renal osteodystrophy in two. Thirteen children had marked abnormality of the hip, and congenital dislocation was typically resistant to conventional treatment. Scoliosis was seen in seven patients. Pectus excavatum (a chest-wall deformity) was seen in eleven patients, including five of the six who had an idiopathic-like curve. Although prune-belly syndrome is uncommon, the diagnosis necessitates a thorough orthopaedic evaluation because of the high prevalence of associated musculoskeletal abnormalities.