Merck Manual

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Limb-Girdle Dystrophy

By

Michael Rubin

, MDCM, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Medical Center

Reviewed/Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022
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Limb-girdle dystrophy encompasses a group of muscular dystrophies that can be inherited in various ways. The muscles of the shoulder or pelvis are affected.

As a group, limb-girdle dystrophies are the 4th most common inherited muscle disease. These dystrophies affect 2 to 10 of 100,000 people. Males and females are affected equally.

Limb-girdle dystrophy causes weakness in the muscles of either the pelvis (Leyden-Möbius muscular dystrophy) or the shoulder (Erb muscular dystrophy). Males and females are affected equally. These inherited disorders often begin in early childhood but may not begin until adulthood. They rarely cause serious weakness.

Diagnosis of Limb-Girdle Dystrophy

  • Genetic testing

  • Muscle biopsy

The diagnosis of limb-girdle dystrophy is based on characteristic symptoms, the person's age when symptoms began, and family history.

Treatment of Limb-Girdle Dystrophy

  • Maintenance of function and prevention of contractures

Treatment of limb-girdle dystrophy is focused on maintaining muscle function and preventing the muscles from freezing in permanent, flexed positions called contractures.

More Information

The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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