Return-to-Driving Recommendations After Lower-Extremity Orthopaedic Procedures

Abstract

Following lower-extremity orthopaedic surgery, recommendations for safe return to driving include at least 6 to 12 weeks for a right ankle fracture, 2 days to 2 weeks for a right ankle arthroscopy, 6 to 9 weeks for a total ankle arthroplasty, 6 to 7 weeks for a right Achilles tendon rupture repair, 1 to 4 weeks for a right total knee arthroplasty, 2 weeks for a left total knee arthroplasty, 3 to 6 weeks for a right anterior cruciate ligament repair, and 1 to 4 weeks for a total hip arthroplasty. Important individual factors such as extent of injury, laterality of injury, current driving habits, type of vehicle transmission (manual or automatic), and medical comorbidities must be taken into consideration. State laws vary widely and often use vague language to describe the legal responsibilities that orthopaedic surgeons have when providing return-to-driving recommendations.