Doctor, when can Idrive? Characterization of driving behavior of orthopedic and trauma surgery patients using aprospective questionnaire study

Abstract

Individual mobility in road traffic is of high importance in Germany, both individually and socioeconomically; however, diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system in particular can lead to temporary impairments. The aim of this prospective patient survey was to record how patients assessed their driving capability during an injury and the associated immobilization and on what basis the decision on driving capability was made on the part of the patients. Asystematic questionnaire was used to analyze atotal of 100 patients with a diagnosis in orthopedics/trauma surgery and associated joint immobilization. In addition to personal data and the injuries/illnesses, an analysis on risk tolerance was performed and patients were asked about their knowledge regarding driving capability. Finally, it was recorded which patients drove amotor vehicle and for what reasons despite immobilization. Overall, 40.2% reported knowledge of the applicable laws regarding driving capability and 55.6% considered the treating physician to be responsible regarding the decision on driving capability. The patients who drove amotor vehicle reported higher personal and professional dependence on the motor vehicle (personal: 60.6% vs. 45.7%; professional: 48.5% vs. 36.1%). In the group of patients who drove amotor vehicle during immobilization, overall afracture was less likely to be the reason for immobilization (33.3% vs. 51.0%). Overall, the patient population rated their knowledge of the law as low and viewed the treating physician as having the majority of the decision-making responsibility regarding driving capability. The patients who drove amotor vehicle during immobilization reported ahigher personal as well as professional dependence on driving amotor vehicle. At the same time the injury severity had an influence on the decision, so that patients with fractures were more likely to avoid driving amotor vehicle. Further studies, particularly at the biomechanical level, are needed to ensure abetter basis for the physician in making decisions with respect to the driving capability of orthopedic and trauma surgery patients.