How Long After Knee Replacement Can You Drive

When tin you lot bulldoze again after a human knee replacement? It's 1 of the near common questions people ask earlier a replacement operation. And an understandable one. For anyone who relies on cars to get around – which is many of us – going without one isn't a comfortable prospect.

So how will a knee joint replacement affect your power to drive, and what's the best advice near getting dorsum backside the bike? Here's a quick guide to the ins and outs.

What does the general guidance say?

The short answer is that it's hard to requite an exact timescale. The NHS says you will exist able to resume driving "when yous can bend your knee joint enough to get in and out of a automobile and command the car properly." In other words, y'all need to feel completely comfortable behind the wheel and be in full command of the car at all times. You'll need to be able to perform an emergency cease, for example, without whatever discomfort or restriction.

When do almost people go back to driving?

On average, people are able to drive about vi-8 weeks after a total knee replacement. A recent study profiled nigh 100 drivers post-operation. It found shut to fourscore% were driving inside half-dozen weeks, and none reported any deterioration in their driving ability. In fact, over a quarter said they'd noticed "a subjective improvement." Which is encouraging! That said, recovery is a very subjective process. While some people will be ready in vi weeks, others can have much longer.

What would hold me back?

The primal thing to appreciate is that knee joint replacement is major surgery. You'll be in infirmary for up to three days after the op, on painkillers for at least 1-ii weeks and likely off work for several weeks. Your articulatio genus will feel unfamiliar at first, and it volition have time to rebuild muscle strength, recover reaction times, and feel comfortable bending and walking on your new articulation. It's important to bear these things in mind as you consider a return to driving.

How volition I know when I'1000 ready?

Again, knowing when you can be in total and safety command of the car is a very individual decision. The Royal College of Surgeons suggests discussing this with your physio first, and then trying an do in your machine (with no key in the ignition). "Just sit in the driving seat and practise putting your anxiety down on the pedals… Build upwardly gradually. If you feel pain, stop immediately. If you lot feel sore afterwards, y'all may need to wait a day or two and try again. Only when you tin can put enough force per unit area on the pedals to practise an emergency stop – without feeling any reluctance or inhibition – should you think about driving once more."

Does it make any difference if I bulldoze an automatic?

Depending on which genu is being operated on, it may do. Nigh drivers of automated cars use their right foot to operate the brake and accelerator. If you had a left-knee replacement in this scenario, your recovery time could exist quicker. But, again, bear in mind information technology volition withal take time to build strength and reaction times after the operation, and feel comfortable getting into and controlling the car.

What else do I need to consider?

There are a few other things you may demand to think most before the functioning.

Insurance – it's a expert idea to tell your insurance company about the surgery, considering some companies won't insure drivers for a certain number of weeks after their operation

Medication – y'all'll need to brand sure you're free from the allaying effects of any painkillers or other medicines y'all might exist taking when y'all resume driving

The DVLA – the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) says yous must inform them "if you've had an operation and you're still unable to drive 3 months later": see the gov.uk website for more details

Any concerns?

If you're unsure about anything to do with driving after your knee replacement functioning, have a chat with your doctor or physiotherapist. They'll be able to offer communication and guidance as y'all programme your recovery. You lot tin can besides talk over it with united states of america as well, of grade; nosotros'll exist happy to assist. For more recommendations on recovering subsequently knee replacement surgery, you may besides discover this article on our website useful: How long does it have to recover from a total knee replacement? A surgeon's timeline.

Are yous or a loved one considering knee replacement surgery but feeling uncertain about the next steps? Delight go far affect with our team today. Yous can telephone call united states on 01962 826107, or brand an date with Mr Bailey through our online booking grade . We'll exist glad to aid.