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How Long After An Accident Is Driving Advisable?

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Posted on Wed, 23 Nov 2016
Twitter Wed, 23 Nov 2016 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 14 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : My 65 yr old husband broke 7 ribs & had a small lung puncture 5 days ago fell 9ft off ladder-He was taken by ambulance from regular ER Hospital to XXXXXXX Tx Trauma Center--Excellent care--was released 24 hrs later--Just realized we were Given NO Instructions --LIKE When Can He Drive? (I know it will take 6-8 wks for ribs to heal)--Of course he's in pain now---Thanks --(He's A Farm Tough Guy, have neighbors feeding our 100 cows & I'm feeding all other animals) & when Can he drive a cabin-tractor?? Thanks
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Answered by Dr. Vasudha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
4-6 months after complete healing.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query on Health care magic platform. I have read it & understood your concern.
It's really lucky to have the injuries managed without needing any surgical procedure. Your husband seems to be a healthy & strong person.. so we expect good healing of all seven ribs in prescribed time of 6-8 weeks . He needs to take rest, a nourishing diet with protein , calcium & vitamin D.( which I feel would be available in ample amount for a man with 100 farm cows!)along with medicines advised.
Now about your query. We have 12 pairs of ribs in our chest. & 7 ribs out of 24 have been broken(more than 1/4th ).. making the thoracic cage weaker. More over rib being a comparatively thin & curved bone bearing the stress of respiration every second ... needs to be strong before it's subjected to strenuous work of driving a a cabin tractor.( driving heavy vehicles do need use of hands & upper trunk)
I would suggest at least 4-6 months time after complete healing of ribs ..when he should start driving task... that too after he seeks no objection from the treating surgeon.
I hope you understand the reason & the answer helps you. Any other follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10369 Questions

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How Long After An Accident Is Driving Advisable?

Brief Answer: 4-6 months after complete healing. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for the query on Health care magic platform. I have read it & understood your concern. It's really lucky to have the injuries managed without needing any surgical procedure. Your husband seems to be a healthy & strong person.. so we expect good healing of all seven ribs in prescribed time of 6-8 weeks . He needs to take rest, a nourishing diet with protein , calcium & vitamin D.( which I feel would be available in ample amount for a man with 100 farm cows!)along with medicines advised. Now about your query. We have 12 pairs of ribs in our chest. & 7 ribs out of 24 have been broken(more than 1/4th ).. making the thoracic cage weaker. More over rib being a comparatively thin & curved bone bearing the stress of respiration every second ... needs to be strong before it's subjected to strenuous work of driving a a cabin tractor.( driving heavy vehicles do need use of hands & upper trunk) I would suggest at least 4-6 months time after complete healing of ribs ..when he should start driving task... that too after he seeks no objection from the treating surgeon. I hope you understand the reason & the answer helps you. Any other follow up query is welcome. Thanks.