(HealthDay News) -- Hip replacement surgery involves replacing damaged tissue and cartilage in the hip joint, often due to osteoarthritis.

Before surgery, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends that you:

• Have someone drive you to the hospital, and back home after the surgery.
• Have a friend or family member stay with you for a week or two after surgery to help you.
• Prepare the area where you will spend most of your recovery time with all the items you'll need. Make sure anything you may need isn't in an area where you'll need to reach high or bend down to get it.
• Make sure you have plenty of food on hand that can be easily prepared.