Ruth Haines
Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure, and many patients wonder about the impact on their future travel plans. While newer airport screening technology has reduced false positives, it is still likely that a knee prosthesis will increase the time it takes to pass through security. So, can you go through airport security with a knee replacement?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chances of setting off a metal detector | 71% for knee replacements, 31% for hip replacements |
| Inconvenience | 34% of patients with knee replacements found travelling inconvenient |
| Required Actions | Inform the TSA agent about the replacement, ask for a private screening, present a medical card |
| Screening Process | Handheld detector sweep, pat-down inspection, additional wanding, being asked to undress in a private room |
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What You'll Learn
Knee replacements will likely set off airport detectors
The metal type of your implant seems to play a role in detection. Total knee replacement implants are composed of cobalt-chromium alloys or titanium and are most likely to be detected. Meanwhile, stainless-steel plates, screws, intramedullary nails, wires, and screws are the least likely implants to be detected.
If you have a knee replacement, it is recommended that you inform the security officer of your implant and where it is located. You may also want to allow for extra time when passing through security, as a knee prosthesis will likely increase the amount of time it takes to be screened. While it is not required, you may want to carry a card that identifies you as a joint replacement patient. These cards can help speed up the process and allow for increased transparency while maintaining your privacy.
When going through airport security with a knee replacement, the security officer should offer you a private screening consisting of a handheld detector sweep and a pat-down inspection. You will not need to show your surgical scar or remove any clothing, but you can ask to be screened in a private area if you feel more comfortable.
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Notify security officers about your knee replacement
If you have a knee replacement, it is likely to set off airport detectors. While this is not usually a problem, as airport security staff are accustomed to such situations, it is still recommended that you notify security officers about your knee replacement.
You can do this by simply letting the security officer know that you have a knee replacement and where it is located. You can also ask the security officer to be discreet when assisting you through the screening process. If you prefer to keep your medical information private, you can ask the security officer to conduct a pat-down inspection instead of walking through a metal detector or being hand-wanded.
Additionally, you can carry a card that identifies you as a joint replacement patient. These cards are not essential but can be helpful. They confirm that your implant may activate metal detectors. You can also present a note signed by your orthopedic surgeon. While these documents may speed up the process, they do not exempt you from additional screening if required.
It is also recommended that you allow extra time for screening, as a knee replacement may increase the time it takes to pass through security.
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Request a private screening
If you have had knee replacement surgery, it is likely that you will set off airport metal detectors. This is not usually a problem as airport security staff are accustomed to such situations, but it is best to be prepared.
You should let the security officer know that you have a knee replacement and where it is located. You can also ask the security officer to be discreet when assisting you through the screening process. The security officer should then offer you a private screening, which will consist of a handheld detector sweep and a pat-down inspection. You will not need to show your surgical scar or remove any clothing, but you can ask to be screened in a private area if you feel more comfortable.
Although it is not required, you can request an identification card from your orthopedic surgeon that confirms you have an artificial joint. This may speed up the process and reduce the need for further inspection. These cards are helpful but not essential.
Additionally, the TSA has a medical disclosure card that can be presented at the time of screening to allow for increased transparency and privacy for travellers.
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Medical cards can help speed up the process
Knee replacement surgeries usually involve the insertion of metal implants, plates, screws, and rods, which can set off metal detectors during airport security screenings. While this is not a cause for concern, as airport security staff are accustomed to such situations, it can increase the time taken to pass through security.
To speed up the process, individuals with knee replacements can obtain and carry a medical card, such as the "Joint Replacement Passport", notifying security personnel of their condition. These cards are not mandatory but can be helpful in ensuring discretion and reducing potential delays. The cards confirm that the implant may activate metal detectors, and the holder may request a private screening, typically involving a handheld detector sweep and a pat-down inspection.
Additionally, programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear Plus can further expedite the security process for travellers with medical conditions. These programs offer faster security lanes, reducing the overall waiting time. While they may incur costs, certain credit cards, frequent flyer programs, and loyalty programs may provide discounts or waivers for these services.
It is recommended to allow for extra time when travelling with a knee replacement, as there may be additional screening procedures to ensure the comfort and security of the individual. Being prepared and informed about the process can help make the airport security experience swift and stress-free.
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You may be subjected to a pat-down inspection
If you have had knee replacement surgery, it is likely that you will set off airport metal detectors. Modern airport detectors sense most orthopedic implants as you walk through the scanner. A knee replacement is more likely to be detected than a hip replacement. A 2012 study found that 84% of patients with hip replacements triggered the metal detector, while 71% of patients with knee replacements reported that their prosthesis was detected.
If the metal alarm goes off, the TSA agent may try to use a hand wand on you. If this does not work, you may be subjected to a pat-down inspection. This will cover the area of the body that set off the alarm. You will not need to show your surgical scar or remove any clothing, but you can ask to be screened in a private area if you feel more comfortable.
To speed up the process, you can present a card to the TSA agent. This will allow you to communicate discreetly with security officers. However, showing this card will not exempt you from additional screening. It is also recommended that you advise the security officer that you have a joint replacement and where it is located.
If the airport offers both metal detectors and a full-body scanner, you can request the full-body scan to avoid the metal detector setting off an alarm.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a high chance that your knee replacement will set off metal detectors at the airport. A 2012 study found that 84% of patients with hip replacements triggered the metal detector, while more recent data from 2017 showed that 38% of patients with total knee replacements reported that their prosthesis set off a metal detector. Another study found that knee replacements were 71% likely to be detected, compared to 31% for hip replacements.
If your knee replacement sets off the metal detector, the TSA agent may use a hand wand on you. If this does not work, you may be subjected to a pat-down inspection of the area that set off the alarm. You can also request a full-body scan if the airport offers both metal detectors and full-body scanners. It is recommended to allow for extra time during screening as this process may cause some delay.
No, you do not need to carry an identification card. However, carrying one may speed up the process and allow for increased transparency and privacy. The TSA provides a medical disclosure card that can be presented at the time of screening. You might also have a note signed by your orthopedic surgeon. These cards are not essential but can be helpful in confirming that you have an implant that may activate metal detectors.
