When the procedure is related to an orthopedic injury, the concern is all the greater.
This is especially true if you’ve hadsurgeryor are nursing a seriousfracture.
When Can I Drive?
Ippei Naoi / Moment / Getty Images
Driving restrictions may also be necessary while taking prescriptionopioidsafter a surgery.
This makes the joint immobilized or unable to bend at all.
Exceptions may include an injury to your left knee, ankle, or foot.
You’re Experiencing Pain
Pain that limits your mobility can affect your driving.
All those reactions can cause problems on the road.
Recap
Anesthesia or other sedative medications can impair driving for at least 24 hours.
Your doctor should also advise you about whether driving is safe while taking any prescription medication.
Deciding whether or not you’re ready to drive should not hinge on getting permission from your doctor.
Getting an evaluation from the DMV or DOT may be necessary if you’ve undergone a long-term recovery.
You may also need to check with your insurance company about special driving restrictions after surgery or injuries.
However, you must follow specific restrictions if youve been given anesthesia or other medications.
That’s because slower response times and limited range of motion put you at risk for an accident.
2017;32(5):464-471. doi:0.1016/j.jopan.2016.01.005
Pollard A, Marr R.Driving advice after isoflurane anaesthesia.Anaesthesia.
Range of functional ankle motion during driving.Foot and Ankle Surgery.
A systematic review.Clin Orthop Relat Res.
2016;474(12):2557-2570. doi:10.1007/s11999-016-5007-9
