Driving Safety After Hip Injections: Brake Response Times

Abstract

Aims
Hip inflammatory conditions such as trochanteric bursitis and osteoarthritis significantly impact functional ability. While hip arthroplasty is common, hip injections are a less invasive pain management option for these conditions. Concerns about driving safety post-injection have led to guidelines advising against driving for 12–24 hours. This study assesses brake response time (BRT) before and after hip injections to determine driving fitness.

Methods
In this prospective study, 55 patients scheduled for steroid and local anaesthetic hip injections at a National Orthopaedic Hospital were recruited. BRT was measured using a brake response machine both before and 30 minutes after the injection. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Paired t-tests compared pre- and post-injection BRT and VAS scores.

Results
This study included 64 hips in patients with a mean age of 61.6 years. There was no significant difference in mean BRT pre- and post-injection (0.83 vs 0.84 seconds, p = 0.856). VAS scores significantly decreased post-injection (4.94 vs 3.52, p = 0.0243).

Discussion
BRT was unaffected post-hip injection, suggesting patients can safely drive after receiving one. This result can impact patient experience of attending for an injection. Larger future studies assessing other driving factors are recommended.