Why is Duchenne muscular dystrophy especially common among muscular dystrophies?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is recognized as the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, occurring in approximately one of every 3,300 to 5,000 male births.12

Its prevalence is fundamentally linked to its genetic nature as an X-linked recessive disorder. Because the condition is caused by a mutation in the DMD gene located on the X chromosome, males—who possess only one X chromosome—are affected if they inherit the defective gene. Females, who have two X chromosomes, typically act as carriers and are often unaffected, yet they have a 50 percent probability of passing the mutation to each of their sons.132

Furthermore, the DMD gene is one of the largest genes in the human genome, which increases the likelihood of spontaneous genetic mutations; approximately 30 percent of cases occur in individuals with no prior family history of the disease. The resulting absence of the protein dystrophin leads to progressive muscle degeneration, establishing it as a significant and severe pediatric health concern.213