Abstract
Study Design: observational study over time
Objectives: 1. To investigate the effect of right and left radiculopathy on driver brake-reaction time (DBRT) 2. Determine the effect of selective nerve root block (SNRB) on DBRT
Summary of Background Data: DVLA guidelines for fitness to drive after orthopaedic procedures remain vague. DBRT has been assessed using different driving simulators in several surgical and non-surgical conditions. To date the effect of sciatica and SNRB on DBRT has not been studied.
Methods: DBRT s of 20 patients with sciatica (10 right, 10 left) were measured using a custom-built car simulator. Each patient was tested pre-SNRB, immediate post-SNRB, 2 and 6 weeks post-SNRB. As controls 20 age-matched normal subjects were tested once. Full departmental, institutional and ethical committee approval were obtained.
Results: The mean reaction time of the control group was 459 ms. The mean reaction times of the patients at different points of assessment were as follow:
Conclusions:
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This study confirms the intuitive impression that patients with sciatica have prolonged DBRT compared to normal population. This represents an extra absolute increase in traveling distance of 2.4 meters in a 70 mph speed zone.
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Left and Right sided sciatica patients should not drive immediately after SNRB.
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Right sided sciatica patients suffer from a prolonged increase in their reaction time post SNRB.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Mr N. J. Henderson, BASS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
