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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

What Happens to Hip Capsular Ligaments During Total Hip Replacement?

Hip capsular ligaments - including the iliofemoral, ischiofemoral, and pubofemoral ligaments, along with the zona orbicularis - play crucial roles in hip joint stability during total hip replacement surgery. During the procedure, surgeons must carefully balance accessing the joint through capsulotomy while preserving ligament function for post-operative stability. Research shows that proper implant sizing, positioning, and capsular repair can significantly impact dislocation rates and long-term joint function. Understanding how these ligaments are affected during hip replacement helps patients better prepare for surgery and recovery, as preserved capsular ligaments contribute to natural joint mechanics, proprioception, and overall surgical success.

How Are Meniscus Root Tears Repaired?

Meniscus root tear arthroscopic repair utilizes advanced surgical techniques including transtibial pullout repair and multiple simple stitch methods to restore crucial knee biomechanics and prevent arthritis progression. These minimally invasive procedures, performed through specialized arthroscopic portals, reattach torn meniscus roots using high-strength sutures and precise tibial tunnels, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional meniscectomy. With proper patient selection and adherence to structured rehabilitation protocols, arthroscopic meniscus root repair provides excellent long-term functional results and significantly reduces the need for future total knee replacement surgery.

Common Hip Arthritis Symptoms

For most patients, there is a lot more to hip arthritis than just hip pain. Dr. Cory Calendine, MD discusses the top presenting symptoms of hip joint arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis and correct treatment of joint pain.