Jay Patel
I often receive questions from patients who are concerned about traveling through airport metal detectors after joint replacement surgery. While this concern is understandable, the good news is that modern joint replacements are made from materials that are unlikely (in most cases) to set off airport metal detectors.
Most joint replacements are made from metals such as titanium or cobalt-chrome which are not magnetic and therefore not likely to be detected by airport security. However, it is important to inform the security personnel of your joint replacement before passing through the metal detector, as they may require additional screening. They may also send you directly through the x-ray machine; they can easily see the metal joint replacement on x-ray. Some patients prefer to go through the x-ray directly, after informing security personnel, to save time.
Before, doctors used to give medical ID cards to patients with metal implants, to show airport security and to help streamline security screening. The cards are no longer required and have since fallen out of favor.
Patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery can travel through airport metal detectors without the worry of setting them off, as modern joint replacements are made from non-magnetic materials. However, it is essential to inform airport security and healthcare professionals of your implant to ensure a safe and effective screening or imaging process.