What does Dr. Eskildsen specialize in?

Dr. Eskildsen specializes in total joint replacement and reconstruction of the hip and knee, including direct anterior hip replacement, partial knee replacement, and complex revision surgeries.

Where did Dr. Eskildsen complete his fellowship?

Dr. Eskildsen completed his fellowship in adult reconstruction of the hip and knee at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Is Dr. Eskildsen board certified?

Yes, Dr. Eskildsen is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and the American Orthopaedic Association.

Where does Dr. Eskildsen perform surgery?

Dr. Eskildsen performs surgery at UNC REX Hospital and the Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center, both located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Eskildsen?

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Eskildsen by calling Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic at (919) 781-5600 or by booking online at raleighortho.com.

Recovering After Hip or Knee Replacement

Recovering from your surgery can be a long process and you will be improving for up to one year after your surgery. You can expect to initially feel down and with low energy. Pain and swelling is common and you can expect aches and swelling for three months after your surgery. Your new joint replacement will be with you for the rest of your life so it is important that you take care of it. It is important to know that the joint replacement is not the knee or hip you had when you were younger and will always be different than your old joint. They can click and make sounds and will feel difDental Procedures and Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Patients with a joint replacement are at a small but real risk of joint infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream — including from dental procedures. Always inform your dentist that you have a joint replacement. For the first two years after surgery, most guidelines recommend taking a preventive antibiotic before dental procedures that may cause bleeding. After two years, follow the recommendations of Dr. Eskildsen and your dentist based on your individual health history.

Driving and Returning to Daily Activities

Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medications. Most patients are cleared to drive 4 to 6 weeks after surgery once they have stopped narcotics and regained sufficient strength and reaction time. Returning to work depends on your job’s physical demands — desk work may resume within a few weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require several months. Light household activities can typically resume within days of returning home. Always follow Dr. Eskildsen’s specific guidance for your personal recovery timeline.

Medications and Blood Clot Prevention

You will be prescribed a blood thinner after surgery to reduce the risk of a dangerous blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed for the full duration instructed — typically 4 weeks. Constipation is a common side effect of narcotic pain medications; a stool softener is often recommended. Continue all of your regular pre-surgery medications unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sounds

It is very common to hear clicking, popping, or soft grinding sounds from your new joint. These sounds come from the metal and plastic implant components and do not necessarily mean something is wrong. However, if sounds are accompanied by new or increasing pain, a feeling of instability, or a sensation that something has shifted, please contact our office.

Activity and Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is essential and begins soon after surgery — often the same day or the next day. Exercises may feel difficult or uncomfortable at first, but consistent effort is key to achieving good range of motion and strength. Attend all scheduled physical therapy appointments and perform your home exercises daily. Fatigue during early recovery is normal — your body is directing energy toward healing. Follow Dr. Eskildsen’s specific guidance about stairs, driving, and returning to work or other activities.

Wound Care and Incision

Keep your incision clean and dry until fully healed — typically 3 to 4 weeks. Do not submerge the incision in water (no baths, pools, or hot tubs) until cleared by Dr. Eskildsen. A small amount of bruising and drainage in the first few days is normal. Some numbness, tingling, or itching around the incision as nerves heal is also expected and usually improves over time. Contact our office if the incision is opening, has spreading redness, unusual discharge, or if you develop a fever.

Swelling

Swelling of the surgical leg is very common and can persist for several weeks to months after surgery — this is a normal part of healing. To help manage swelling: elevate your leg above the level of your heart when resting, wear compression stockings as instructed, apply ice regularly, and walk as directed by your physical therapist. Swelling that is sudden, severe, warm to the touch, or accompanied by significant redness spreading up the leg may indicate a blood clot and should be reported to our office right away.

Pain and Discomfort

Some pain after joint replacement is expected and normal. Pain typically peaks in the first few days and gradually decreases over several weeks. Take your prescribed pain medications as directed, and do not wait until pain becomes severe before taking them. Ice packs applied to the surgical area for 15–20 minutes several times a day can help reduce both pain and swelling. If your pain is not controlled with your prescribed medications, or if it seems to be significantly worsening rather than improving, contact our office.