Abstract: Objective To explore the possible correlations under the interaction of multi-genes action at different stages and analyze the primary histophotomacrographic changes of hind buds tissue in congenital clubfoot and the pathodynamic developmental procedure.MethodsSeventy-seven female Wistar rats were administered with retinoic acid on the 10th day after pregnancy. And the hindlimb, buds and spinal cord were detected through transmission electron microscopic and molecular biological experiments.ResultsThere was clubfoot-like deformity in 61.8% of the experimental animals. Persistence of the embryonic position of the talus and tibia in fetuses was observed. Poor overlapping between talus and calcaneus was seen. Cell apoptosis at the anterior corner of spinal cord and hind buds were seen.ConclusionCongenital clubfoot deformities appear at early stage and exaggerate along with developmental procedure.

Key words: foot deformities, congenital, retinoic acid, apoptosis