The amniotic band disruption complex. The pathogenesis of oblique facial clefts; an experimental study in the foetal rat.

This paper reports the findings of an experimental foetal rat study which has shown that it is possible to produce facial clefts by stimulating the tethering and disruptive effects of amniotic bands. Of the 10 experimental foetuses, 9 (90%) survived the in utero surgery and are included in the present study. Facial and palatal clefts were produced in all 9 (100%) of these foetuses.