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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

Muscle Sparing Hip Replacement Surgery | Dr. Cory Calendine

Muscle sparing hip replacement uses the direct anterior approach to access the hip joint through a natural gap between muscles instead of cutting through them. This means less tissue damage, less pain after surgery, and a faster return to walking and daily activities. Most patients are up and moving within hours of the procedure and heading home the same day or the next morning. Research shows anterior approach patients stop using walkers and discontinue pain medication days sooner than those treated with traditional methods. While early recovery advantages are well supported, long-term outcomes are excellent regardless of surgical approach, making surgeon experience and proper patient selection the most important factors in achieving the best result.

Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

Cervical artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased disc in the neck with a stainless steel device to maintain motion, it is a option for patients with severe stenosis with spinal cord injury, severe facet arthritis, cervical kyphosis, or primary bone pathology such as infection. The procedure includes incision, disc removal, shaping, implant and closure, it is important to consult with a physician to determine if this procedure is right for you and to be aware of the possible risks, such as early or late loosening of the components, anatomical or technical difficulties, and component sizing issues.

Deep Vein Thrombosis After Surgery

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body. There is a risk of DVT formation and Pulmonary Embolism following injury or surgery of the lower body. Dr. Cory Calendine, Orthopaedic Surgeon discusses the risk and prevention steps used to prevent blood clots during hip and knee replacement surgery.