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Brake Reaction Time After Ankle and Subtalar Arthroscopy
Tinnart Sittapairoj1, Chris A Anthony2, Chamnanni Rungprai3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A.
Summary
Patients undergoing ankle or subtalar arthroscopy can safely drive after two weeks. Postoperative brake reaction time (BRT) improves and remains below the safe driving threshold.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomechanics
- Automotive safety
Background:
- Ankle and subtalar arthroscopy are common procedures.
- Assessing return-to-driving readiness is crucial for patient safety.
- Brake reaction time (BRT) is a key metric for driving ability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preoperative and postoperative brake reaction time (BRT) in patients undergoing right-sided ankle or subtalar arthroscopy.
- To determine when patients can safely resume driving after these procedures.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective comparative study involving 17 patients and 19 age-matched controls.
- Brake reaction time (BRT) was measured using a computerized driving simulator.
- Testing was conducted preoperatively and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Postoperative BRT at 2 weeks (0.57 ± 0.06 seconds) was not significantly different from the control group (0.55 ± 0.06 seconds).
- Patients' BRT at 2 weeks was lower than their preoperative BRT (0.59 ± 0.06 seconds).
- All measured BRTs were below the 0.70-second threshold for safe driving.
Conclusions:
- Brake reaction time (BRT) improves by 2 weeks after right-sided ankle or subtalar arthroscopy.
- Patients can likely resume driving 2 weeks after surgery without compromising safety.
- This study supports the safety of driving 2 weeks post-arthroscopy.
