Review of the effect of early amniocentesis on foot deformity in the neonate.

A recent publication by the Canadian Early and Mid-Trimester Amniocentesis Trial Group reported an increase in orthopaedic foot deformities in infants whose mothers underwent an amniocentesis from 11 to 12 + 6 gestational weeks versus a group sampled between 15 to 16 + 6 gestational weeks. Because the sampling of the former group was at the time of maximum foot growth and maximum acquisition of amniotic fluid, the authors hypothesize that the foot deformities are secondary to decreased fetal movement during a key phase in foot and ankle development.