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Driving Recommendations Following Joint Replacement

Driving Recommendations Following Joint Replacement

January 10, 2022

When Can I Drive After Joint Replacement?

[Full Video Transcript, Cory Calendine, MD]

How soon after surgery can I drive? Everybody asks me, and it's an important question. You know, I used to say it was six to eight weeks after a hip and knee replacement before you could drive. But now, I take a more functional approach. The return to driving has to be individualized for each patient after hip or knee replacement.

All the patients start out on a walker for balance. My rule is you can drive a car when you're walking steady with a cane, as long as you're not on narcotic medication. I make sure everybody waits at least four hours after taking narcotic pain medicine before they drive safety first.

People also ask, "If it's my left leg, can I drive right away?". We've actually studied that subject, and even though we drive with our right leg most frequently, surgery on the left or opposite leg can slow down your reaction time. So there is a delay after surgery before most patients are able to drive - no matter which leg is operated on.

Cory Calendine, MD is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and founding partner of the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee at Williamson County Hospital in Franklin, TN. Dr. Calendine is an expert in Joint Replacement, specializing in Hip and Knee Surgery. From diagnosis through treatment, the Orthopaedic Surgical experts at the Bone and Joint Institute use the latest techniques and technology to improve care for people with musculoskeletal problems. For more information, please contact our office or schedule your appointment today.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CONTACT DR. CALENDINE CLINIC LOCATION AND HOURS

Benefits of Robotic Total Knee Replacement

Robotic-assisted total knee replacement offers significant advantages over traditional surgery through unprecedented precision and personalized treatment. Using advanced 3D imaging and real-time robotic guidance, surgeons achieve sub-millimeter accuracy in implant placement, reducing alignment errors that can lead to premature implant failure. Patients typically experience 20-25% less blood loss, reduced tissue trauma, and faster recovery times compared to conventional methods. The technology creates a customized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy, ensuring optimal implant positioning for long-term success. While surgical time may be longer initially, most patients walk the same day and progress more quickly through rehabilitation milestones. The precision of robotic cutting preserves important ligaments and tendons, contributing to more natural joint function. Though not every patient requires robotic assistance, those with complex anatomy or desire for maximum precision may benefit significantly. Learn how this technology transforms knee replacement surgery and whether you're an ideal candidate for robotic-assisted treatment.

Bone and Joint Imaging Comparison: Xray, CT, MRI

Diagnostic imaging techniques can help delineate musculoskeletal injury and disease. The most commonly used techniques include xrays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dr. Cory Calendine, Orthopaedic Surgeon, discusses the differences and most common uses of bone and joint imaging modalities.

Finger Dislocation Injuries and Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Guide

Finger dislocation injuries affecting the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints require immediate medical attention and appropriate treatment for optimal recovery outcomes. Treatment options range from closed reduction techniques using local anesthesia and manual realignment for simple dislocations, to surgical intervention for complex cases involving soft tissue interposition, associated fractures, or failed closed reduction attempts. The most common finger dislocations occur at the PIP joint, particularly in athletes participating in basketball and football, with an overall incidence of 11.1 per 100,000 person-years in the United States. Non-surgical treatment through closed reduction is successful for most simple dislocations, followed by immobilization with splinting or buddy taping for 3-6 weeks, while complex dislocations may require open reduction surgery and extended rehabilitation. Recovery typically involves progressive physical therapy focusing on range of motion exercises, strengthening programs, and functional activities to restore normal finger function, with most patients achieving full recovery within 6-8 weeks when proper treatment protocols are followed promptly after injury.