Article

In hand surgery, the patient often asks his surgeon if he is
authorized to drive his car after the intervention. It is very difficult to
answer making the distinction between medicolegal reality and misconceptions.
Authors try to offer relevant answers.
This paper is based on French
laws governing the obtaining or the renewal of the driving license as published
in traffic rules, penal code and official documents. RESULTS: The law defines the
precise list of the "notifiable" medical conditions and disabilities incompatible
with driving or requiring amendments. The patient must go through numerous stages
to pass or renew a license (administrative procedures with the police, find a
specialized driving school, medical examination, theoretical and practical
examination). There are numerous developments adapted to vehicles. Possibilities
of financing exist but are often difficult to obtain. The attitude towards
insurance companies is not specified by the law but has to remain loyal and
careful; the patient is nevertheless protected by the insurance code. CONCLUSION:
The surgeon has to warn his patient of the new constraints imposed on him by his
disability, whether temporary or definitive, but also to present him with the
legal solutions. In conclusion, we propose an information sheet to assist the
patients to regain their autonomy after surgery.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : FRANCAIS