The postoperative course and early complications after total hip arthroplasty were evaluated by reviewing the records of 1,684 patients who underwent 2,012 arthroplasties. Arthroplasty-related complications (after 6 per cent of the operations) included dislocation, spontaneous subluxation, loosening of acetabular or femoral components, sciatic and femoral-nerve palsy, and superficial and deep wound infections. Medical complications (in 25 per cent of the patients) included urinary-tract infections, acute renal failre, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, pneumonitis and atelectasis, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal disturbances. The intrahospital mortality was 0.4 per cent (nine patients). Based on these findings, it was concluded that certain technical considerations are important, including correct use of methylmethacrylate, positioning of prosthetic components, trochanteric wiring, and the configuration of the tissues and cement adjacent to the joint.