The answer varies from patient to patient, and whether you have surgery on the right leg or the left leg. As a general rule, you cannot drive if you are on narcotics or unsafe on the road. Patients on average are able to return to driving between 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. I usually advise my patients that if they feel like they wouldn’t be able to stop in the event of an emergency or if a pedestrian suddenly decided to cross the road in front of the car, they should not drive. Practice on a parking lot before driving on the road.
About the Author: Paul Norio Morton, MD
Dr. Paul Norio Morton is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon that practices on Oahu and the Big Island. He treats a broad range of orthopedic conditions including arthritis, sports injuries, hip and knee replacements, trauma, and robotic joint arthroplasty. He believes in treating his patients with a holistic approach – incorporating patient’s desires and expectations into the treatment of their musculoskeletal problems.
