Driving ability after right-sided ankle arthroscopy--A prospective Study

Due to the current lack of evidence the aim of this study was to investigate the driving ability after right-sided ankle arthroscopy.

Nineteen patients underwent right-sided ankle arthroscopy. Brake response time (BRT) was assessed preoperatively, 2 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperative. We also determined patients' clinical outcome (AOFAS and AOS questionnaires) and their driving frequency.

BRT was 606ms preoperatively and changed to 821ms 2 days postoperative (p<0.001). The further postoperative BRT course was 606ms (2 weeks), 596ms (6 weeks) and 603ms (12 weeks) (p=n.s.). In addition, a significant influence of the AOS and AOFAS scores on BRT was found, namely poorer clinical outcome also leads to a prolonged BRT (p<0.01 for both). BRT was significantly prolonged in patients with little driving frequency (p=0.001). Furthermore, the 'time-by-driving interaction' was significant (p=0.018), which means the BRT-peak on the second day was much lower in low-frequency drivers.

From the findings made in the current study we conclude that a driving abstinence of two weeks is necessary following right-sided ankle arthroscopy. Greater driving frequency and good clinical outcome seem to be associated with better driving ability. However, for the time being no exceptions should be made from the above-mentioned recommendation on driving abstinence.