Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive

Abstract

Orthopedic surgeons and other stakeholders need better return-to-driving guidelines for post–orthopedic surgery and trauma patients. The state of the current orthopedic research is in need of better methodology, particularly regarding control over the cognitive domain’s influence on the physical domain. Recommendations need to be based on an individual’s assessment of physical performance rather than the passage of time after surgery. This article highlights the areas of concern for driving research in the orthopedic community and how they can affect study design.