“How long before you can drive after rotator cuff surgery?”

I typically tell my patients they can drive when they are off the pain medicine; you can drive with the good arm, and support the steering wheel with the operative arm.

I let my patients drive as soon as they aren’t taking narcotic pain medication. Keep in mind that hands on top of the wheel activate the rotator cuff primarily but not so on the lower part of the wheel. You have to keep safety in mind regardless!!

Average is six weeks.

This is a question you should be asking your surgeon. Different surgeons have different protocols. Also it depends on if the rotator cuff was actually repaired or debrided. So if I debride the rotator cuff I allow immediate motion and my patients can drive immediately once they feel comfortable. For a rotator cuff repair with actual use of suture anchors I go much more slowly and keep the patient in a sling for 6 weeks. After that they can drive if it is then non-dominant arm but if it is the dominant arm not for 3 months postop. But once again check with your surgeon for instructions.

Hi,

Your surgeon should address safe return to driving with you based on your specific circumstances. In my practice, return to driving is based on the individual ability to safely operate the car rather than a specific number of days. Patients may return to drive when they are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and have sufficient strength and coordination of the non-surgical arm to operate their specific vehicle safely. In addition, the operative arm must be sufficiently mobile to assist in the event of an emergency. It's better to err on the side of caution for safety and liability reasons.