Travel when you’re ready.
Fitness to Fly/Drive
On the day
There are many factors that impact your ability to fly/drive following surgery. On the day of surgery, the anaesthetic medication and pain killers compromise your reaction time and decision making and it is recommended you do not drive or fly.
Driving After Surgery
During the recovery phase, you should consider whether pain killers are clouding your judgement and whether you will have the ability to control the vehicle in an emergency.
- For lower limb surgery this means performing emergency braking manoeuvres.
- For upper limb surgery this means being able to control the steering wheel and perform emergency swerving manoeuvres.
The Australian Arthroplasty Society and Orthopaedic Association recommends not driving until you are off regular narcotics and able to perform an emergency brake.
Driving Position Statement – AOA
Flying After Surgery
If you are planning to fly following your surgery discuss your circumstances with your surgeon.
Some surgeries place you at increased risk of blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and you may require blood thinning medications to reduce your risk.
If you are having joint replacement surgery, you will be provided with an implant card that you can keep in your wallet or a copy on your phone. Some metal detectors are highly sensitive and may pick up your implants. This may require further screening at security, however, does not prevent you from travelling.
