Return to driving after total knee arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to ascertain the duration from time of surgery to resumption of driving after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to examine recommendations in the literature.

All patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA and were driving within 6 months preceding the arthroplasty were included. The patients' age, gender and side of the TKA were noted. The time taken to resume driving by each patient as well as the type of vehicle were noted.

Ninety-eight patients were included in our survey. Fifty-five patients (56%) underwent TKA on their left knee and 94 (96%) were manual car drivers. Seventy-seven patients (79%) were able to resume driving within 6 weeks of TKA; 18 patients (18%) were able to do so at Week 12 postoperatively. The remaining 3 patients (3%) did not feel confident enough to drive at Week 12 postoperatively. No patient reported deterioration in driving ability, whereas 27 patients (27%) felt a subjective improvement in their driving ability.

The vast majority of patient resumed driving by 6 weeks postoperatively. Only a small number did not return to regular driving. Patients are advised to resume driving after 6 weeks but should wait until they feel comfortable and confident enough to do so.