Predictive Factors for Return to Driving After Lower Limb Arthroplasty.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Determining when patients can safely resume driving after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common clinical question.
• Currently, no objective clinical assessments exist to guide this decision, leading to patient and physician uncertainty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical factors that predict the ability to return to driving following THA and TKA.
• To establish objective measures for assessing driving readiness post-arthroplasty.

Main Methods:

• A single-center retrospective observational study involving 592 participants (271 THA, 321 TKA) reviewed at 6 weeks post-surgery.
• Data collected included patient demographics, driving status, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results, self-reported walking time (SRWT), walking aid use, and pain scores.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and binary regression models to identify predictors of driving return.

Main Results:

• At 6 weeks post-THA, 57.1% of patients were driving. Predictors of inability to drive included using two crutches and slower TUG test times.
• At 6 weeks post-TKA, 61% of patients were driving. Predictors of inability to drive included severe pain and use of more than two walking aids.
• Faster TUG test times and longer SRWT were associated with driving ability in both THA and TKA groups.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 60% of patients resume driving by 6 weeks after THA or TKA.
• Factors such as reduced walking aid dependence, improved mobility (faster TUG), and longer self-reported walking time are positive predictors for returning to driving.
• Female patients and those experiencing severe pain or requiring multiple walking aids may require longer recovery periods before driving is safe.