One hundred and twenty-five patients with 194 feet affected by congenital talipes equinovarus were treated by the senior author during the period 1959 to 1980. Of these, 70 patients presented either at birth or in the early neonatal period, and 55 were seen later, having been referred from other centres. Seventy-five patients were subsequently reviewed by two of us; the remaining 50 were assessed from records and research files. Patients seen within four weeks of birth were termed "early", the remainder "late". Of the early group of 70 patients, 44 (with 68 affected feet) were reviewed and 26 (with 41 affected feet) were assessed from records. Excellent or good results were achieved in 94 per cent of feet treated conservatively and in 82 per cent of feet which required pantalar release. Of the 55 late referrals 32 patients (with 55 affected feet) were reviewed and 23 (with 30 affected feet) were assessed from records. Satisfactory results were slightly less frequent, but were achieved in 75 per cent of cases. There was no statistical correlation between early soft-tissue release and a good final outcome, but there was a positive statistical correlation between good clinical results and a high talocalcaneal index. Osseous correction (a laterally based wedge tarsectomy or a triple arthrodesis) was necessary at a later date in four feet (four per cent) of those who presented early and in 13 feet (15 per cent) of late referrals.