Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy is the name given to a condition where there is replacement of muscle fibres by fat and fibrous tissue. They are inherited, and vary in severity. The most severe, called Duchenne, is an X- linked recessive disorder (boy children inherit it from their mother, who is a carrier). The muscles of the shoulder girdle and the upper leg are affected first. Progression is relatively rapid. Becker muscular dystrophy has a similar muscle distribution, but is much more benign. There are other, rarer dystrophies affecting either the limb girdles, or selected groups of muscles such as those of the face and shoulder. There is no treatment. Genetic counselling may be of benefit.
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