In orthopaedic surgery, the study of the foot has a special place. Familiarity with the congenital and acquired problems of in flammation and arthrosis must be blended with an understand ing of the mechanics of support and propulsion before a sure choice of effective treatment can be made. There is involvement of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, soft tissues and integument, none of which can be treated in isolation. Superficial appraisal can lead to the cardinal error of facile diagnosis, and ignorance of the physiology of the organ and of the differences of expert opinion with respect to...