Since 1970 there has been a dramatic increase in the number of total hip arthroplasties done in this country. Many patients have a new lease on life following this operative procedure. There has been a tremendous change in the operative procedure itself, the prostheses, and the preoperative and postoperative care of patients over the past 25 years. This article addresses the present day procedure as well as current methods and concerns for nurses in the care of the patient with total hip arthroplasty.