If you’ve undergone ACL surgery, you may be wondering when it’s safe to get behind the wheel again.
After all, your car or bike represents freedom, and you may be anxious to hit the road again as soon as
possible. It’s understandable that you want to be mobile again right away, but if you jump the gun
before your body is ready, you could worsen the effects of your injury. Use the following guidelines to
determine when it’s best to start driving after ACL surgery.
When should I start driving my own?
It’s important to wait until you feel confident and comfortable before you start driving. The perfect time varies from person to person, but it typically takes 1-3 months after surgery. Talk with your surgeon about when they recommend you start driving again, and always take a test drive in an empty parking lot before getting on the road. Take some time to practice maneuvers and make sure your car fits your needs for easy maneuverability.
When should I start driving my own?
It is best not to make a general timeline as it can vary from person to person. There are many factors
that can affect how long it takes for someone to get back behind the wheel following an ACL
reconstruction surgery:
1) Side of the limb involved
During normal circumstances person with left sided ACL reconstruction will be able to drive car with
confidence by 4-5 weeks. But patients who have had an ACL surgery on their right knee will need more
time than those who have had the surgery on the left. This is because during driving right foot needs to
be switched between accelerator and break. This process needs more coordination compared to the left
side which is used to operate only the clutch. The automatic car does not have a clutch which makes it much easier
for the left side. A person with right-sided ACL reconstruction will be able to drive a car with confidence by 5-
6 weeks.
2) Type of surgery
Timing of vehicle driving also depends on type of surgery. If surgery is done with traditional fixation methods like interference screw, it might take time little longer time than what usually required. If fixation methods include modern techniques such ac “All Inside ACL reconstruction with internal brace”, you may recover earlier and can get back behind the wheel following an ACL reconstruction surgery.
3) Multi-ligament injury
If ACL reconstruction involves more than one ligament recovery time will be longer and you will be able
to drive after 10-12 weeks of surgery.
Must Read :- The Do’s and Don’ts of Recovery After ACL Surgery
What if I get anxious about driving?
When you have your surgery, it is natural to be anxious about driving. There are a lot of unknowns that
can make you worry about your ability to handle the car and navigate intersections. But always wait till
you are confident and comfortable before taking the wheel. Hasty decisions are harmful, so always take
a test drive in an empty parking lot before starting to drive on the road.
Tips for Driving After ACL surgery
– Drive only if you are confident and comfortable with your ability
– You should able to brake quickly and safely.
– It is important to be aware that your right knee will need more time than your left.
– Take prior consultation from your surgeon before starting to drive.
– It is advised not to use alcohol or sedatives while driving after surgery.
– When you first get back behind the wheel of a car or bike, take a test drive in empty space
before entering traffic, then follow the speed limit as soon as possible and avoid sudden movements like braking suddenly or turning at high speeds.
The Cruciates is a team of highly experienced and skilled surgeons who are in the sports medicine field from a long time and have dealt with complicated sports injuries. Dr. Nagendra Prasad is one of the best arthroscopy surgeons in India leads the team. The Cruciates is committed to deliver high-quality services and would like to make sure that, you are satisfied with our work. The team Cruciates provides customized treatment and follow up to each patient to make sure that everyone will achieve desired level of recovery and rehabilitation to ensure early return to sports.
FAQs
1. When can I ride a bike after ACL surgery?
After ACL surgery, it is generally recommended to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before riding a bike. Your doctor will assess your recovery and advise when it is safe to start. Riding too soon can put unnecessary pressure on the knee, increasing the risk of reinjury.
2. Is it safe to drive after ACL and meniscus surgery?
Driving after ACL and meniscus surgery should only be done with your doctor’s approval. If swelling has reduced and your leg has regained enough strength, you may begin driving. However, it’s important to ensure knee stability and the ability to apply brakes quickly to avoid accidents.
3. When can I start driving after ACL surgery?
Generally, doctors recommend avoiding driving for at least 4 to 6 weeks after ACL surgery. However, recovery varies for each person, and you should only start driving once your knee has regained strength and flexibility. The affected leg (right or left) also determines when you can resume driving.
4. What precautions should I take when driving after ACL surgery?
Before resuming driving, ensure your knee has regained enough strength and mobility. Start with short trips to test your ability to control the vehicle. If needed, wear a knee brace for added support. Avoid prolonged driving sessions to prevent fatigue and knee strain.
5. When can I start exercising after ACL surgery?
Low-impact exercises like leg lifts and ankle pumps can start within a few days after surgery, depending on your doctor’s recommendations. Light activities, such as stationary cycling, may begin around 4 to 6 weeks, while jogging and running may take 3 to 4 months.
