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Driving after Knee Replacement Surgery

New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Blog Driving after Knee Replacement Surgery

"When can I drive again?" It is a common question for anyone considering knee replacement.

The simple answer is: 4 weeks

Regaining the ability to drive is an important step to resuming your normal life, getting out of the house, and making future appointments for your knee. Most people can return to driving a car by 4 weeks following knee replacement, and scientific studies looking at reflexes and response times have confirmed this. It really comes down to reacting safely to a situation on the road; braking or accelerating.

But, the exact time is individualized and depends on which knee was replaced, medications being taken, and other mobility factors.

Things to consider:

  1. DO NOT drive when taking strong pain medication.
  2. Make sure you feel safe getting in and out of your car. You need good knee motion to get in and out of the car.
  3. If your left knee was replaced AND you are driving an automatic, you can probably drive by 2 weeks.

Focus hard on your postoperative exercises so that you are ready to get behind the wheel when the time comes.

For any questions regarding knee replacement, contact the team at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.

Author
Creighton C. Tubb, MD Creighton C. Tubb, MD Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery; New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, New Braunfels, Texas

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