Abstract
The purpose of this literature review was to explore the effects of upper extremity immobilization on driving ability. Seven articles were retrieved through a search of eight electronic databases and hand-searching. Six articles focused on healthy subjects, and one article was not clearly described. The total number of immobilizations was five below-elbow casts, two below-elbow splints, two thumb spica casts, two Bennett’s casts, one sling, one above-elbow cast, one above-elbow thumb spica splint, and one below-elbow thumb spica splint. All the immobilizations resulted in some deterioration in driving ability and a significant decrease in driving ability with the elbow and/or thumb immobilization. Future studies with patients are needed.
