AN ORTHO-PINION
Patients seem to suffer from amnesia after shoulder surgery in one specific area: driving. I tell my patients before they undergo shoulder surgery that, if I perform a repair, they will be in a sling for a minimum of four weeks — and this means no driving. I realize how difficult this is, but there is no way around it.
Many times, patients don’t realize the enormity of their predicament until they find themselves stuck at home. Luckily, I practice in New York City where many patients have easy access to public transportation and taxis which makes the no driving rule easier to follow. However, most patients live in suburbs where no driving is equivalent to house arrest.
Specific comments I often hear are that there are people with only one arm who can drive. While this is true, these people have specific modifications to their car and steering wheel making driving “one armed” safer.
The bottom line is that, if you need to be in a sling, you cannot drive. It isn’t safe, especially if you encounter any surprises on the road. Prepare for this time by setting up carpools, stocking up the house in preparation for surgery and stockpiling lots of work that you can get done with one hand to keep yourself busy.
Learn more: Shoulder Surgery Exercise Guide
You should avoid driving for at least 6 to 12 weeks after rotator cuffThe rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm b More surgery. This is to allow your shoulder time to heal and to prevent any further injury. You will be advised by your doctor and physiotherapist when it is safe enough to drive. After the surgery, your arm should be kept close to your body, which you cannot do while driving.
Driving with one arm is dangerous as you do not have full control of the car. Additionally, you may have to react quickly to conditions on the road which could put immediate and destructive strain on your vulnerable shoulder.
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