[Clinico-genetic classification of muscular dystrophy]

The authors have given a critical review of existing classifications of myodystrophies from 1884 till 1973. They propose a new systematization based on the formula of muscular lesions during different phases of the disease and on the formula of a generalization of the myodystrophical process. It is assumed that the formula of muscular atrophies and the direction of the generalization of the myodystrophical process is genetically conditioned and should be considered as an important sign of hereditary neuro-muscular diseases. The authors believe that the facio-scapulo-limb type of myodystrophy both clinically and genetically is not homogenous. This form of dystrophy should be divided into 2 variants: a gradually descending one and a descending one with a "jumping" of muscular atrophies from the upper half of the body (face, shoulder) to the peroneal group of muscles on the skin.