For this 12th edition, the entire text was rewritten by the team of three experienced teachers, without losing the practical approach which has been the hallmark of previous editions. More emphasis has been placed on the context of treatment, so that readers can appreciate 'why' as well as 'what' they need to know. The coverage has grown too: in keeping with developments in modern medicine, there is new material in almost every chapter. In particular there is additional information on soft-tissue injuries, disorders and diseases of the skin, surgical treatment, obstetrics and gynaecology, and care of the elderly. And to mark this further stage in the development of the book, a different title has been chosen - one which better reflects its wider coverage. In its new guide, 'Tidy's' will remain an essential purchase for the student or practitioner looking for a comprehensive single-volume account of the nature and management of patient's problems.