Citation

Pierson JL, Earles DR, Wood K. J. Arthroplasty 2003; 18(7): 840-843.

Affiliation

Road, Suite 128, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14566737

Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) dramatically

decreases pain and improves mobility and quality of life. However, little has

been reported on its effect on driving ability in the early postoperative

period. This prospective study was conducted to compare preoperative and

postoperative brake response times (BRTs) in patients undergoing TKA for

osteoarthritis. The results showed that patients returned to preoperative BRT as

early as 3 weeks after surgery, and at 9 weeks after surgery, BRTs were

significantly improved over baseline. Based on BRT analysis patients undergoing

TKA may be allowed to return to driving 6 weeks after surgery.