A review of the mortality statistics in orthopaedic surgery at the New York Orthopaedic Dispensary and Hospital, over a period of twenty-three years, reveals the following significant facts:
1. Surgical shock was most common in extensive fusions of the spine for lateral curvature.
2. Embolism was of infrequent occurrence in spite of the almost constant use of the tourniquet over long periods of operating time.
3. Postoperative pneumonia was less frequent than would be expected.
4. Warm months were the most dangerous periods for operative procedures.