Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Also known as: UCMD, Ullrich disease, muscular dystrophy.

What is Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy?

Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy is a form of muscular dystrophy that causes joint stiffness and muscle weakness that gradually becomes worse over time. It often affects the knees and elbows and can also cause unusual range of motion in the ankles and wrists.


What causes Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy?

Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy is caused by genetic mutations. These are passed down from parents to their children.


What are the symptoms of Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy?

The wrists, elbows, knees and ankles are the body parts primarily affected by bethlem myopathy. Joint stiffness and muscle weakness that gradually worsen over time in the elbows and knees are the primary symptoms. The ankles and wrists can also experience hypermobility, or an unusual range of motion.


What are Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy care options?

Physical therapy, stretching, assistive devices and other forms of therapy can help people live with the symptoms of Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy.


Reviewed by: Trevor J Resnick, MD

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:12 PM