Congenital Muscular Dystrophies

Abstract

Babies with congenital muscular dystrophy often have hypotonia (low muscle tone or floppiness), and may have reduced movements. Other common signs are contractures (tightness) in the ankles, hips, knees and elbows. The contractures can sometimes be severe and affect several joints (known as arthrogryposis). They happen because the baby has not had the muscle strength to move freely enough in the womb. Some of these babies may also have respiratory problems because of weakness of breathing muscles.