Should the elderly be allowed to drive after hip replacement surgery?

Answer 1

Once their hip has healed and they have been approved to drive (usually 4-6 weeks, regardless of age) then any decision on whether they ought to be driving would be made based on their overall general health and ability to operate a car safely rather than the condition of their hips. Most times, if the hip patient could drive safely before the surgery, it is likely that they would be able to return to that status following a recovery period.

States vary in their requirements for older driver licensing. Some require more frequent or even annual renewals, or impose other requirements; others do not. Vision screening is usually performed.

Answer 2

I'm not sure how this question is relevant...hip surgery won't affect a person's ability to drive. If anything it'll help since they won't be in pain. However, elderly people that cannot drive should be monitored/restricted if they are unable to be safe (like a 14 year old shouldn't drive and a 16 year old should be monitored/restricted). There is no research that I know of though that relates poor driving and joint replacements...and I would know, I'm a biomedical engineer specializing in joint replacements.

Answer 3

Sure hip surgery would affect a persons ability to drive, especially if it was performed on the right side. To drive safely you have to have sufficient motion and strength to perform the responsibilities of driving safely. The surgeon who performed the hip replacement will clear a person to drive when appropriate.

Answer 4

Well, my husband (who is a senior) had double knee replacement surgery in April, and is driving just fine.

Of course, he drove fine before the surgery and the doctor gave approval for him to drive about six weeks post surgery.

I think knee replacement surgery and hip replacement are similar for the ability to drive assessment.

Answer 5

Short answer - Yes.
If they were safe drivers before the surgery, and the surgery goes well, why not?
If they don't have the ability to move their hip well enough to acheive control over the side to side motion made while driving then no they shouldn't.

Answer 6

i think your question went too far..it should have stop after should the elderly be allowed to drive? I live in a community that has ALOT of seniors and half the time the car looks like it is driving ITSELF, you cannot even SEE their heads! how can these people see over the steering wheel? And god forbid you should encounter one DRIVING AFTER DARK. they are driving so SLOWLY, as if they are FEELING their way with their hands on the ground. its too nuts!

Answer 7

I agree with Tempest88. The Doctor will tell the person when they are able to drive and the person should also feel able themselves. My 83 yr. old mother did just fine and is still driving at 86.