The experimental production of clubfoot in guinea‐pigs by maternal hyperthermia during gestation

IN a study of the effects of maternal hyperthermia on the prenatal development of the guinea-pig, Edwards (1967, 1969a) observed a high incidence of talipes-like deformities (clubfoot) of the hind-limbs and forelimbs and of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita in the newborn young. Drachman and Coulombre (1962) pointed out that regardless of the final posture, all clubbed limbs shared one essential defect-fixation or ankylosis of the tarsal or the carpal joints; when more than one joint was involved the condition by definition was called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. The aetiology and pathogenesis of clubfoot of children have been discussed by Adams, Denny-Brown and Pearson (1962), who believed that in some cases the foot deformity was secondary to a defect of the spinal cord, but in others no primary neurological abnormality existed. They stated that a hereditary factor operated in only a small proportion, and they listed a number of possible causes of the condition. These included unusual pressures and abnormal positions in utero, a defect of the bones of the foot and ankle, congenital spasticity, and a primary defect of the spinal cord that weakened or paralysed some muscles, leaving others to contract without opposition, and myopathy of some muscles around the joint. This paper describes the experimental production of clubfoot in guinea-pigs and some clinical and pathological features of the condition.