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Driving reaction time after right knee arthroscopy
R Hau1, S Csongvay, J Bartlett
1Department of Orthopaedics, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Patients undergoing knee arthroscopy should wait at least one week before driving. Clinical tests, like the stepping and standing tests, can help determine safe return-to-driving timelines post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Knee arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure.
- Assessing patient readiness for driving after knee surgery is crucial for safety.
- Limited data exists on post-arthroscopy driving reaction times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of knee arthroscopy on driving reaction times.
- To compare post-operative reaction times with pre-operative and normal subject data.
- To explore the correlation between clinical tests and driving performance.
Main Methods:
- Driving reaction times were measured using a car simulator in 30 knee arthroscopy patients and 25 controls.
- Patients were tested pre-operatively, and at 1 and 4 weeks post-operatively.
- Stepping and standing clinical tests were administered concurrently.
Main Results:
- Pre-operative reaction time in patients (736 ms) was slower than controls (634 ms).
- One week post-surgery, patient reaction time significantly worsened (920 ms).
- By 4 weeks, patient reaction time improved (685 ms) but remained slower than controls, showing good correlation with clinical tests.
Conclusions:
- Patients should delay driving for at least one week after knee arthroscopy.
- The stepping and standing tests show promise in objectively assessing driving readiness.
- Clinical evaluation alongside reaction time testing can guide safe return-to-driving decisions.