The primary characteristic of muscular dystrophy is:

The primary characteristic of muscular dystrophy is the degeneration of muscle cells. This progressive disorder affects the skeletal muscles, leading to weakness and a reduction in muscle mass over time. The condition is typically caused by genetic mutations that affect the proteins needed for muscle health and function. As the muscle fibers degenerate, they are gradually replaced by fibrous and adipose (fat) tissue, which further impairs muscle function. This degeneration is central to the clinical presentation of muscular dystrophy, as it directly impacts the patient's ability to perform physical activities and can lead to mobility issues and other complications over time.

While fracture susceptibility, inflammation of the joints, and bone loss are important considerations in various medical conditions, they are not defining characteristics of muscular dystrophy. Instead, the hallmark of muscular dystrophy lies explicitly in the weakening and degeneration of muscle tissue, which sets it apart from other conditions that may present with different sets of symptoms.