When can I drive?

Driving routinely is not permitted before 4 weeks from the time of your surgery. However, some physicians will allow the patient to drive earlier if they feel the patient can do so safely. The type of surgery, side of surgery (left vs. right leg), and the patient’s overall general condition plays a part in this decision.

If the hip or knee replacement was performed on the left side, then most patients feel comfortable driving in 2 weeks as long as they are not taking narcotics.

If your surgery involved your right hip of knee, then driving will not be recommended until you have good strength and function of your operated limb.