Driving

• TKA: may drive at 6 weeks. (Pierson JL, J Arthroplasty 2003;18:840)
• It is recommeded that patients retest with the state department of motor vehicles before returning to drive. Doctors no longer “clear” patients for driving, no matter how long it has been since the injury or surgery. Document discussion of driving recommendations in the patient’s medical record. AAOS now article April 2009.
• Consider providing patients with a referral to a return-to-driving program managed by independent occupational therapy services.
• Immobilization of the right leg with a walking cast and an Aircast walking boot decreases braking force and braking reaction times as compared to a tennis shoe. (Tremblay MA, JBJS 2009;91:2860).