Driving After Surgery
Driving after surgery depends on the ability to mentally and physically respond. Anyone undergoing a procedure involving sedation, light anesthesia, or general anesthesia should not drive on the day of surgery.
Those taking narcotic medication should not drive until completely stopping this medication as this slows reaction time and can cause many unforeseen side effects that may impair judgment.
Driving after upper extremity surgery may begin after the sling has been removed and control of a steering wheel with both hands can be comfortably demonstrated.
Driving after lower extremity surgery may being after weight bearing is allowed and adequate strength and reaction time can be comfortably demonstrated.