Knee Replacements: Airport Security Concerns And Precautions

Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure, with the rate of joint replacements continuing to climb. If you've had this surgery, you may be wondering how it will affect your experience at airport security. The short answer is that it's likely that your implant will set off airport metal detectors, but this is not usually a problem. Airport security staff are accustomed to dealing with such situations, and there are procedures in place to ensure you can pass through security without issue.

Knee replacements and metal detectors

If you've had a knee replacement, you may be wondering if your implant will set off airport security metal detectors. The short answer is maybe. It is likely that your implant will set off the metal detectors, but this is not usually a problem as airport security staff are accustomed to dealing with such situations.

A 2012 study found that 84% of patients with hip replacements triggered the metal detector. More recent data from 2017 evaluating patients with total knee replacements showed that only 38% reported that their prosthesis triggered a metal detector. In England, a study showed that knee joint replacements were more likely to set off metal detectors than hip replacements.

If you have a knee replacement, it is recommended that you inform the TSA agent about your implant before your airport screening. You do not need to obtain a card or note from your physician before travelling, but you can if you wish. The TSA has policies and procedures for dealing with devices such as pacemakers and implants, so they will be able to adjust accordingly.

If the metal alarm goes off, the TSA agent may try to use a handheld wand on you. If this does not work, you may be subject to a pat-down covering 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.

Private screening

During the private screening, individuals will undergo a handheld detector sweep and a pat-down inspection. This process is standard for those with metal implants, and it is important to note that clothing will not need to be removed or lifted during the inspection. Security officers are trained to handle these situations with discretion and professionalism, ensuring the privacy of the individual is respected.

To further streamline the process, individuals can obtain a "Joint Replacement Passport" or a similar identification card. These cards are not mandatory but can be presented to security officers to communicate the presence of a knee replacement discreetly. Carrying such identification can expedite the screening process and reduce potential delays.

It is worth noting that newer screening technologies, such as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), have reduced the likelihood of pat-downs. However, individuals with internal medical devices, such as pacemakers, should avoid walk-through metal detectors and consult their physicians before travelling.

In conclusion, private screening is an option for individuals with knee replacements who wish to maintain their privacy at airport security. By informing security officers, presenting relevant identification, and understanding the screening process, travellers with knee replacements can navigate airport security with ease and discretion.

Joint replacement ID cards

If you've had a joint replacement, you may be concerned about how it will affect your experience at airport security. While newer screening technology has reduced the likelihood of a false positive, there is still a chance that your joint replacement will trigger the metal detector. In fact, a 2012 study found that 84% of hip replacement patients triggered the metal detector, while a 2017 study found that 38% of total knee replacement patients did the same.

To help streamline the security process, some organisations have introduced "Joint Replacement Passports" or ID cards. These cards are not essential, but they can be helpful in confirming that your implant may activate metal detectors. While the TSA does not require patients to carry such identification, they do offer a medical disclosure card that can be presented during screening to increase transparency and maintain privacy.

If you have a joint replacement ID card, be sure to show it to the security officer and inform them about your implant. They will likely offer you a private screening, which may include a handheld detector sweep and a pat-down inspection. You should not need to show your surgical scar or remove any clothing, but you can always request to be screened in a private area if you feel more comfortable.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for screening and to reduce any anxiety associated with the security process. Remember, TSA officials are accustomed to handling these situations, so remain calm and know that they are there to ensure your safety and that of the other passengers.

Full-body scanners

If you have a knee replacement, it's highly likely that you will set off the metal detector at airport security. In fact, over 90% of implanted total hip and knee arthroplasty devices will trigger airport metal detectors.

If you have a knee replacement, it's advisable to inform the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer before screening begins that you have had a knee replacement and to point to the location of the implant.

If you do trigger the metal alarm, you will then be sent for a full-body scan. The TSA employee will then use a wand to scan your knee. This will only take a few seconds and is unlikely to cause any delay.

Although some people are given a card by their doctor to confirm they have an artificial joint, this is not a requirement and will not prevent additional screening if the TSA agent requires it.

If you have an internal medical device, such as a pacemaker, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector.

Pacemakers and implants

If you have a pacemaker or other internal medical device, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector. Instead, inform the TSA officer that you have an internal medical device, and they will offer you a private screening with a handheld detector and/or a pat-down inspection.

It is recommended (but not required) that individuals with a pacemaker carry a Pacemaker Identification Card (ID) when going through airport security. Show the security officer your pacemaker ID, and ask them to conduct a pat-down inspection rather than walking through a metal detector or being hand-wanded.

If your doctor has indicated that you should not go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded, ask the security officer for a pat-down inspection instead.

Although there is a theoretical risk of interference of pacemakers with airport security systems, few cases of interference have been reported. A 2019 study of more than 1,000 body scans reported no interference with patient devices.

In general, commercial airline flights are considered safe for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, some specific precautions should be undertaken in some circumstances. For example, air travel should be postponed until 2 weeks after complete radiologic resolution in all cases of CIED-implantation-related pneumothorax.

Frequently asked questions