Common Post-Operative QuestionsWhen Can you Drive After Surgery?You should not drive on the day of your outpatient surgical procedure. Most hospitals will require that a family member or friend is present at discharge to drive you home. Studies have shown that a person usually has some form of motor deficit following general anaesthesia for 24 hours following a procedure; driving should therefore not be undertaken until at least this time. Furthermore, some strong pain relieving medications (e.g. opiods/narcotics) can remain in the body for extended time periods and most people should not return to driving until at least 24 hours after this pain relieving medication has stopped. Show
Most patients do not drive until after their first post-operative visit (10-14 days after surgery), although some patients (eg. simple knee arthroscopy) may return to driving before this point. When considering a return to driving, it is important to consider the following points:
Listed below are typical times after surgery when patients resume driving. Please note that this is a rough guide only, as each patient is different.
Casts and Braces When Can you Fly or travel long distances?Flying or traveling long distances after surgery does increase your risk of venous thromboembolism or deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in your legs or lungs), otherwise known as DVT. The risk of this is even higher in certain people, and with certain medications like the oral contraceptive pill. Domestic flights within New Zealand are considered relatively low risk for DVT, as the flights are relatively short. International flights, or long distances traveling by car, are higher risk for DVT due to the longer travel duration. Please click here for more information about DVT. The following are generally accepted recommendations that you can use to lower your risk of DVT when traveling:
When Can you return to work?The decision to return to work is multifactorial, and depends much more on the patient than the doctor. Specifically, the time to return to work depends on the type of surgery you had and the nature of your work. For example, simple knee surgery may result in 1-2 weeks away from work if you work in an office with little walking demands, or 8-12 weeks away from work if you have a heavy manual job that involves a great deal of walking, lifting and climbing. Dr. Boyle will provide you with recommendations regarding specific work restrictions, according to your surgery and the likely impairments that you will experience post-operatively. We will provide you with an ACC work certificate, work cover insurance certificate, or generic work certificate, outlining these recommendations. Sometimes, ACC or your health insurer will assign special rehabilitation and workplace assessors to help with your transition back to work. Please keep your employer regularly informed regarding your recovery, and work with them to assess when you can return to work under Dr. Boyle's recommended restrictions. How long till you can drive after meniscus surgery?You can drive when you are no longer using crutches or a knee brace, are no longer taking prescription pain medicine, and have some control over your knee. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks.
What are the restrictions after knee arthroscopy?While recovering the first few days after your procedure, you should: Stay off of your feet: Avoid putting weight on your knee for a few days. You may need crutches or a walker to help you get around. Elevate your knee: To reduce swelling and relieve pain, rest with your leg elevated.
How long are you down after arthroscopic knee surgery?You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your knee strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.
Is walking good after knee arthroscopy?Regular exercise to restore strength and mobility to your knee is important for your full recovery after arthroscopic surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day.
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