Driving After a Knee Replacement

Many of our clients are understandably concerned about how quickly they will be able to drive after having a knee replacement operation. It's important to regain independence and drive safely without causing discomfort to your knee joint. Let's examine how quickly you will be able to get behind the wheel after a knee replacement.

How Long Should I Wait Before Driving After a Knee Replacement in Australia?

Australia has no specific laws about driving after a knee replacement. In Australia, driver's license authorities often mandate medical clearance for individuals recovering from significant surgical procedures, including knee replacements. Your physiotherapist or orthopaedic surgeon will be able to guide you through any regulatory intricacies.

Returning to driving should involve a focus on driving safely without aggravating your knee joint. A knee joint is an invasive procedure that involves surgically removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components.

For patients considering robotic knee replacement, recovery times may differ slightly depending on surgical approach and post-op rehabilitation.

Generally, recovering from this process will take between 4 and 6 weeks. The exact time will depend on several factors, including:

• Your pre-operation fitness.
• The success of the total knee replacement surgery.
• How effectively your pain is managed.
• If there are any post-operative complications.

Ideally, your surgeon or physiotherapist will be by your side throughout the entire recovery process and offer personalised support. They'll be able to advise on the right exercises to regain mobility and flexibility in your knee joint, and prescribe pain medication as needed.

If you feel like the post-operation knee replacement recovery might be coming to an end, you could try testing your knee's mobility.

• The key test of whether you are fit to drive is whether you can perform an emergency stop. You can test this by sitting in the driver's seat of your car (WITHOUT having the key in the ignition) and pressing the pedals with your feet. Ensure that the seat is adjusted comfortably before doing so.
• If you feel pain in any capacity, you should stop immediately. Rest for a few days before trying again. That includes getting in and out of the car.
• If your knee joint feels sore afterwards, you should prevent further aggravation by resting for a few days.
• However, if you do not experience any kind of discomfort from your knee joint, then you could test your knee joint by taking a very short drive.
• Note that you should not test your ability to drive while on sedatives, opiates or narcotics.

Many knee surgeons in Melbourne recommend a gradual return to regular routines, including driving, to avoid setbacks during rehabilitation.

Putting your recovery first also means not undertaking a long drive when you return to driving. Start with short drives and build up confidence. You'll be driving comfortably before you know it.

Contact Us to Find Out More About Driving After a Knee Replacement

Patients undergoing knee replacement procedures are often supported through our comprehensive orthopaedic surgery clinic, which includes pre-op assessments and post-op physiotherapy.

A total knee replacement can be an intimidating prospect. With our acclaimed specialists' personalised advice, you can speed up recovery after a knee replacement – regaining mobility and resuming driving.

If you would like to find out more about our services, please get in contact with us.