Abstract

Orthopaedic surgeons routinely advise patients when to drive after surgical procedures. There are however very few guidelines concerning the return to driving after an orthopaedic operation. We performed a literature search and found very limited studies or research regarding this topic and in particular following arthroscopic surgery. We subsequently conducted a prospective questionnaire survey from one hundred knee arthroscopy patients attending outpatient follow-up clinics. Results showed the advice given to patients was delivered by doctors of differing levels of experience, but interestingly the majority of patients did not know the grade of doctor they were being consented by. Our study has highlighted that the advice given to patients was inconsistent. Patients returned to driving over a variety of time frames from one day to greater than three weeks. No adverse events were reported but 14% chose not to answer this question. We have illustrated the need for thorough consenting, further research in this area, and the development of universal guidelines surrounding the return to driving after surgery.