When safe to drive again after knee surgery?

harpo1

I have recently had knee surgery  -  (total quad tendon reattechment) on my left leg - now in a hinged brace.

Its been 12 weeks since the operation and I can flex my knee and hobble about okay.

Getting in and out of the car takes a bit of effort and Im not driving yet.

But I hope to get get behind the wheel again soon,however no one will let me know when it will be okay to actually drive again.

The physio's advice is  ask your insurers, which I am very loathe to do for obvious reasons.

And also the insurers are likely to send me back to the medics

The brace should be off in 2 weeks

Has anyone been through this before ?

I would really value your advice

thanks

wannabe_a_saver

Its your surgeon you need to ask.  Do you have a follow up appointment booked?

harpo1

Next week -I'll ask then thank you

Toothsmith

It's your clutch leg then? Assuming you don't drive an auto or electric?

Drives with multiple gear changes would be quite uncomfortable and liable to make it swell if not properly recovered. But also - long periods of inactivity are likely to make it stiff and achy too!! So I would have thought long drives wouldn't be a good idea for a while after you were cleared for shorter drives. 

If it were your right leg - then it would be more of a safety issue - as how would you feel about having to do an emergency stop? 

Be advised by your consultant, but be sensible with what you can realistically manage once you start again. Over stressing it will lengthen your recovery time.

harpo1

Appreciate that answer. I will take it slowly. But I can't walk to a shop and  would so like my independence back

I'm still at the one step/ one step down physio level.

But the area I live in is extremely hilly and I need to get walking on level ground to build myself back to fitness- there is a park that pretty much meets that criteria - but if I want to go there, I will have to take myself

Thanks again

Toothsmith

I badly broke my left shoulder falling off my bike about 5 yrs ago! If it wasn't for the fact I had an automatic car, it would have taken me months to drive - it would have been ages before I could move a gear stick!

Good luck with it.

My Mum had a knee replacement about 18 months ago. She got herself a static pedal exerciser similar to this.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/himaly-Exercise-Exerciser-Adjustable-Resistance/dp/B07BBM4VZ3/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=exercise+pedals&qid=1619620637&sr=8-3

Not sure if it would be suitable for you - but she felt it really helped her.

Murphybear

I was told I could drive after 6 weeks but that was far too soon for me personally.  I had my knee replaced not for wear and tear but having injured it badly in my 30s and it took a long time to get over the op.

I have known loads of people who have a TKR and some have been driving after 6 weeks without any problems.  

You could talk this over with your physiotherapist if you are still seeing one,  

sheramber

After any surgery it is usually when you can safely do an emergency stop.
You should also clear it with your insurance company.