[Driving licence and hand surgery]

In hand surgery, the patient often asks his surgeon if he is authorized to drive his car after the intervention. It is very difficult to answer making the distinction between medicolegal reality and misconceptions. Authors try to offer relevant answers.

This paper is based on French laws governing the obtaining or the renewal of the driving license as published in traffic rules, penal code and official documents.

The law defines the precise list of the "notifiable" medical conditions and disabilities incompatible with driving or requiring amendments. The patient must go through numerous stages to pass or renew a license (administrative procedures with the police, find a specialized driving school, medical examination, theoretical and practical examination). There are numerous developments adapted to vehicles. Possibilities of financing exist but are often difficult to obtain. The attitude towards insurance companies is not specified by the law but has to remain loyal and careful; the patient is nevertheless protected by the insurance code.

The surgeon has to warn his patient of the new constraints imposed on him by his disability, whether temporary or definitive, but also to present him with the legal solutions. In conclusion, we propose an information sheet to assist the patients to regain their autonomy after surgery.