Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Total knee replacement and driving?

38 replies

Feduplandlord · 08/06/2023 21:16

My Fil is planning to go shopping tomorrow.

He had a total knee replacement 2.5 weeks ago and is 84.

I know this is a bit late to ask but we've only just found out and to say we're a bit surprised is an understatement.

Worried about insurance and the health of the knee. His surgeon told him he could drive when he felt able. It is his right knee.

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 08/06/2023 21:18

I thought it would be about 6 weeks. I’d ask the insurance company.

Throwncrumbs · 08/06/2023 21:20

Just no! At least 6 weeks is what we used to recommend. What if he needed to do an emergency stop, it doesn’t bear thinking about!

Loveallotments · 08/06/2023 21:20

Two and a half weeks doesn't seem very long to get over a knee operation.

Mumsnut · 08/06/2023 21:29

I do t think you’re even supposed to fully flex the knwe for several weeks

does he have an automatic car? That would make a difference maybe

rugbychick1 · 08/06/2023 21:35

Fairly sure it's 6 weeks after the first check post surgery with the surgeon

CombatBarbie · 08/06/2023 21:41

Fil just had one, was fine yo drive after 3 weeks.

Original poster
Feduplandlord · 08/06/2023 21:43

It is an automatic. He's had one lot of physio and he does do his exercises.

OP posts:
HitsAndMrs · 08/06/2023 21:45

I'm a physio - 6 weeks min and then as soon as they can do an emergency stop and get in and out of the car safely.
Flexing the knee starts ASAP - ideally he'd be at 90 degrees to drive.

wishingitwasfriday · 08/06/2023 21:51

A guy at work had a total knee replacement and tried to do things too quickly. He set his recovery back by weeks and ended up with months of physio. He needs to pay attention to the doctors advice and take things slowly.

Original poster
Feduplandlord · 09/06/2023 09:05

Thanks all.

We'll see what happened. He was really sensible with the other knee but he's needed us to take him to a couple of things and he hates it.

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 09/06/2023 09:14

Left or right knee? If it's an auto that's ok if it's left knee.

MNHQ
JustineMumsnet · 09/06/2023 09:16

Test

Original poster
Feduplandlord · 09/06/2023 12:28

JustineMumsnet · 09/06/2023 09:16

Test

Problem?

OP posts:
Original poster
Feduplandlord · 09/06/2023 12:30

Nope, right knee...

We are really fed up about his as he was super-sensible with the other TKR. He's main carer for my MiL too and there's no support.

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 09/06/2023 13:34

Oh that probably not a good idea then.

MNHQ
JustineMumsnet · 09/06/2023 15:16

Feduplandlord · 09/06/2023 12:28

Problem?

Show quote history

Sorry - plse ignore - was just checking I could post in the app.

Rhondaa · 09/06/2023 16:56

HitsAndMrs · 08/06/2023 21:45

I'm a physio - 6 weeks min and then as soon as they can do an emergency stop and get in and out of the car safely.
Flexing the knee starts ASAP - ideally he'd be at 90 degrees to drive.

Absolutely not correct, yes obviously when safe to do an emergency stop but this '6 weeks min' is so outdated. I know people driving people safely after 2 weeks.

Only your fil knows if he is able op.

Rhondaa · 09/06/2023 17:09

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 09/06/2023 13:34

Oh that probably not a good idea then.

It doesn't really matter, we use our foot not our knees to brake. If he'd had ankle surgery or foot surgery yes he'd need longer but drivers know knees are not used (ie it is already bent so no further movement or pressure is required). It is purely a foot/ankle move.

HitsAndMrs · 09/06/2023 17:33

Rhondaa · 09/06/2023 16:56

Absolutely not correct, yes obviously when safe to do an emergency stop but this '6 weeks min' is so outdated. I know people driving people safely after 2 weeks.

Only your fil knows if he is able op.

Show quote history

Well it is correct as per our orthopedic surgeons protocols but you carry on.

HitsAndMrs · 09/06/2023 17:35

Rhondaa · 09/06/2023 17:09

It doesn't really matter, we use our foot not our knees to brake. If he'd had ankle surgery or foot surgery yes he'd need longer but drivers know knees are not used (ie it is already bent so no further movement or pressure is required). It is purely a foot/ankle move.

Show quote history

Fgs. You know all your muscles are connected right?

Lougle · 09/06/2023 17:36

Rhondaa · 09/06/2023 17:09

It doesn't really matter, we use our foot not our knees to brake. If he'd had ankle surgery or foot surgery yes he'd need longer but drivers know knees are not used (ie it is already bent so no further movement or pressure is required). It is purely a foot/ankle move.

Show quote history

The power comes from the thigh muscle and the knee needs to be able to take that strain.

853ax · 09/06/2023 17:45

My mother had a full knee replacement was doing the exercises within hours they really advise getting back at it.
Not sure how long until she could drive but less than 6 weeks

HeckinBamboozled · 09/06/2023 17:49

I'm surprised he feels up to it but with an automatic he'll probably be fine

Greybeardy · 09/06/2023 18:04

Couple of thoughts - he probably needs to take his insurance company's advice as well as the surgeon's. Also, if his decision making seems out of character and is new, it may be worth wondering if he has a degree of post-op cognitive dysfunction (which is not uncommon in older folk who have major surgery) that is affecting his judgement.

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 09/06/2023 18:09

Average is 6 weeks. Most important thing is stopping in an emergency. If he feels he has the power to do that already then fair play, but I doubt it at this stage. He should also inform his insurance company.