For patients who have had hip replacement surgery one of the big questions frequently asked as they recover is: "When can I drive again?"

Thanks to research at the internationally renowned Rowley Bristow Orthopaedic Unit at Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust the answer could be just around the corner!

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Arshad Khaleel and his team are carrying out a year-long study of right hip replacement patients, aged between 50-90 years.  Patients already get the answer to their question, but taking part in this research study will actually show the patient whether their reactions are fast enough and whether their leg and foot movement is strong enough for them to be behind the wheel. To make the study scientifically sound 200 patients are needed to take part.

Said Mr Khaleel: "Together with a former Registrar at the Rowley Bristow Unit, Mr Alec Trompeter, we have designed and had built a section of a "car" that a patient can sit in. The "car" is linked to a laptop programmed with bespoke software specifically for our research. We are testing reaction time and how long it takes to perform an emergency stop. We are asking all our patients having planned (elective) hip replacement surgery, and that includes non-car drivers, if they are willing to take part."

 

Each patient that agrees will take a "test" on the machine before they have surgery and then four weeks after their operation, and another two weeks later.  The test involves sitting with the right foot off the accelerator pedal, pressing the pedal down and then, when a red light shines, moving the foot swiftly to the brake the pedal. This "emergency stop" movement is repeated five times.

The research work is likely to be extended in future to include patients who have had other lower limb joint surgery, particularly knee replacement operations.

Mr Khaleel says that his work is generating interest amongst other surgeons, in particular general surgeons may want to know how soon it is safe to drive after a hernia repair.
 

“By George! This is a good idea!” George - the grand old man of the orthopaedic unit – seen here putting his best foot forward to encourage the public to support the “Joined Up Walk” 15 months ago at Runnymede. He is seen here with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Arshad Khaleel (wearing suit), Sister Suzanne Loveridge, Orthopaedic Secretary Karen Neil and Snr. Registrar Mr Yemi Pearse. 

Money for the equipment has come from a fundraising event in September 2007 - a "Joined-up Walk" when Mr Khaleel, assisted by Ingrid Shears of the orthopaedic unit, organised a sponsored walk in the fields at Runnymede. A total of £6,395 was raised.