P. Basu et al., DETECTION OF ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS BY AIRPORT METAL DETECTORS, Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume, 79B(3), 1997, pp. 388-389
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.