Introduction to Inherited Muscular Disorders By Michael Rubin, MDCM, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Congenital muscular dystrophy More Information Muscular dystrophies are inherited, progressive muscle disorders resulting from defects in one or more genes needed for normal muscle structure and function; dystrophic changes (eg, muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration) are seen on biopsy specimens.