When Can I Drive After Shoulder Surgery?

Shoulder surgery frequently requires time in a sling. But patients want to get back to their life as soon as possible, and driving is a major part of that. The good news is that studies have now shown that it is safe to drive 2 weeks after shoulder surgery, even in a sling.

Other things to consider

1. You should not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. The more that is done to avoid narcotics after surgery, the quicker you will be able to return to driving.
2. An automatic transmission is recommended.
3. Consider the speed of driving. The study mentioned tested individuals at freeway speeds. Low speed driving in town may be possible sooner.
4. One risk after surgery is deep vein thrombosis. It is best to avoid long road trips if possible for several weeks after surgery. For those who are driving home over 4 hours after shoulder surgery at the Oregon Shoulder Institute, we recommend taking a break to walk every couple of hours on the way home.

Dr. Patrick Denard has been voted one of the top 20 Shoulder Surgeons in North America, and has been ranked in the top 1% of researchers for shoulder. Dr. Denard is committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to his patients, not only from a surgical standpoint, but also by considering the overall picture including avoidance of narcotics, and optimizing nutrition and rehabilitation.