Over 90% of implanted total hip and knee arthroplasty devices will set off airport metal detectors. Many implants now include ceramic and plastic materials in addition to metal, and the metal will still likely cause an alarm in the metal detector.
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If you have a hip replacement, knee replacement, a metal plate and screws, a metal rod inside your bone, or one of many other types of orthopedic implants, you may set off the airport metal detector.
Airport metal detectors are quite sensitive to metals, this includes metal implants that may have been placed inside your body. Belt buckles, key chains, and steel-toed shoes may set off these sensitive metal detectors. Many commonly used orthopedic implants may also set off the metal detectors.
Dental Implants and Full-Body ScannersBackscatter machines use low-level radiation, similar to the radiation that makes X-Rays possible. Both types of scanners may detect your dental implants. However, the TSA agent reviewing the images is unlikely to flag you.
A general guide to follow: Avoid flying within 2 days following arthroscopic surgery. Avoid flying within 2 weeks following open shoulder surgery, or fracture surgery. Avoid flying for 6 months following total hip replacement surgery.
With a knee replacement, you need to prepare to go through security. After all, your knee can set off the medical detectors. If you're planning on flying, ask your doctor to provide you with a letter that talks about your surgery. It's also possible for airport security to ask to see your surgery scar.