DETECTION OF ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS BY AIRPORT METAL DETECTORS

We have assessed the effect of a variety of implants commonly used in fracture fixation and joint replacement on the activation of metal det ectors at airport security gates, A volunteer with metal implants stra pped on and patients with implants in situ walked through the device. Implants used in fixation do not activate it, except for Richards cann ulated screws. An Austin-Moore prosthesis does set off the detector, b ut a single joint replacement does not. Three or four joint replacemen ts activate the alarm and patients with these implants should be warne d of this possibility.