Safe driving recommendations following lower extremity orthopedic surgery: a systematic review

PurposeWe analyzed the published literature on return-to-driving (RTD) recommendations following lower extremity orthopedic surgery, including knee and hip arthroplasty and ankle and foot surgery.MethodsWe conducted a PubMed MEDLINE database search for the relevant literature spanning from 1988 to 2022. Data were extracted from the selected articles independently by six investigators, and the mean, standard deviation, and range of RTD recommendations for each surgical region and procedure were calculated.ResultsThe 34 studies included in our review evaluated brake response time, reaction time, movement time, braking force, and other parameters. Average RTD recommendations in weeks were: hip surgeries, 4.1 (& PLUSMN; 2.7); foot surgeries, 6.67 (& PLUSMN; 0.94); Achilles surgeries, 6.67 (& PLUSMN; 0.25); ankle surgeries, 4 (& PLUSMN; 2); knee surgeries, 5.42 (& PLUSMN; 0.77); and multiple lower extremity surgeries, 3.85 (& PLUSMN; 0.15).ConclusionOur findings can assist physicians in providing informed recommendations to patients, promoting safe driving practices, and optimizing postoperative recovery.Level of evidenceTherapeutic, Level III: Retrospective comparative study.