Driving after orthopedic surgery

摘要

Few guidelines are available to assist orthopedic surgeons in advising patients about when to return to driving after orthopedic surgery. A patient's surgical procedure, post-operative weight-bearing restrictions, immobilization, and other factors influence a patient's ability to drive after orthopedic surgery. Multiple studies have used driving simulators to predict when it may be safe to return to driving after orthopedic surgery. However, study conclusions and recommendations vary significantly. This article reviews the factors contributing to a patient's ability to return to driving after orthopedic surgery and reviews recommendations based on the available literature following fracture, arthroscopy, and arthroplasty.