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bone health & Harmony blog

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

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.

Who Qualifies for Subvastus Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?

Discover if you're a candidate for subvastus robotic-assisted knee replacement – a muscle-sparing technique available to 90-95% of knee replacement patients. This advanced approach preserves your quadriceps muscle, leading to faster recovery, less pain, and quicker return to daily activities. Learn about candidacy requirements, expected outcomes, and why patients walk within days instead of weeks. Dr. Cory Calendine explains who qualifies for this revolutionary knee replacement technique and how robotic precision enhances results for active adults in Franklin and greater Nashville.

Understanding Acetabular Reaming in Hip Replacement Surgery

Acetabular reaming is the surgical process that prepares your hip socket during total hip replacement, and it's one of the most critical steps affecting your long-term outcomes. Using specialized hemispherical tools, surgeons carefully shape the bone to create the perfect fit for your new implant. Recent advances in robotic-assisted surgery have transformed this process, allowing for CT-based planning and real-time precision that was impossible just a few years ago. Research now shows that enhanced reaming depth techniques can actually improve implant stability while reducing bone strain and fracture risks. Whether you're considering hip replacement or simply want to understand what happens during surgery, this guide explains the reaming process, why precision matters, and how modern technology helps surgeons achieve better results. Learn what questions to ask your surgeon and what factors affect the approach used for your specific anatomy.