to the rehabilitation team. This is the era ofjointreplacement, with ever-increasing demand forprimary and revision surgery. Improved implants and improved surgical techniques are constantly being researched. Surgery for bone tumour is less mutilating and more hopeful than ever before. Operations to release tendons and soft tissue contractures, tendon transfers, osteotomies, spinal fusion, joint fusion, etc. are performed on patients with neurological problems, thus improving function and appearance and preventing further deformity. These are some examples of procedures in this exciting and fast- developing field, while hospital beds are occupied for an ever shorter period of time and the potential for occupational therapy is enormous. 'If surgery is to be successful, the importance of assessing the patient as a human being cannot be over-emphasised' (Souter, 1987). This is precisely the approach of the occupational therapist.