Detection of Orthopaedic Implants by Airport Metal Detectors

Abstract

INTRODUCTION We performed a questionnaire study to establish the frequency and consequences of the detection of orthopaedic implants by airport security and to help us advise patients correctly. All published literature on this subject is based on experimental studies and no 'real-life' data are available.PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 200 patients with a variety of implants were identified. All patients were sent a postal questionnaire enquiring about their experience with airport security since their surgery.RESULTS Of the cohort, 154 (77%) patients responded. About half of the implants (47%) were detected, but the majority of patients (72%) were not significantly inconvenienced. When detected, only 9% of patients were asked for documentary evidence of their implant. We also found that patients with a total knee replacement (TKR) had a greater chance of detection as compared to those with a total hip replacement (THR; 71% versus 31%; P = 0.03).CONCLUSIONS All patients, and in particular those with a TKR, can be re-assured that, although they have a fair chance of detection by airport security, a major disruption to their journey is unlikely. We advise that documentation to prove the presence of an orthopaedic implant should be offered to those who are concerned about the potential for inconvenience, but such documentation is not required routinely.

Prosthetic metal implants and airport metal detectors

“…It is therefore best to warn patients of this so they can anticipate detection and further examination, thereby avoiding potential inconvenience or embarrassment. Other authors have 1 Nevertheless, without international recognition of these certificates they are unlikely to be accepted. Although detection settings are usually standardised throughout UK airports, the sensitivity of the metal detector may vary in times of heightened security.…”

“…These changes are detected by the metal detectors. 1 The amplitude of the electrical current in the receiver coil should be greater in ferromagnetic metals with a high iron content than in electrically conducting diamagnetic metals such as copper, aluminium, titanium, gold or silver. 8 The newer implants are frequently highly refined alloys such as titanium, cobalt-chromiummolybdenum and stainless steel.…”

“…Consequently, they are likely to be detected more easily. 1 The type of detector and sensitivity settings may also vary. There are, however, minimum levels of security, which should be similar among all machines.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] However, no previous papers have commented specifically on the detection of implants used in plastic and reconstructive surgery, notably expander breast implants and those used in hand and wrist surgery. The aim of this paper was to ascertain which prosthetic devices activated metal detector devices used for security purposes.…”

Detection of Total Knee Arthroplasties at Airport Security Checkpoints: How Do Updated Security Measures Affect Patients?

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10] There have been historical reports on the experiences of patients with joint prostheses passing through standard metal detectors at airports with 47 to 83% of patients reporting triggering the alarm with their orthopedic hardware. 6,11 However, given the updates to security measures as well as changes in implants, it is imperative that the effects on those who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA) be assessed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that updated scanners have had on patient satisfaction with their total joint prosthesis while traveling through airports.…”