Implanted Surgical Pins thru Airport Security

[#1Disfann]

OK, this is probably a stupid questions but here it is. My dad has had 2 knee replacements and a hip replacement a couple of years ago and he said his doctor mentioned that he would need a "doctor's note" to explain why he would be setting off the airport security scanners. Was the doctor just kidding or will that really happen? I am taking my parents back to Disney in September (they were there last in 2000) and he obviously has not flown since the surgeries. I know someone here knows the answer so I told him I would ask! He's ready to go get his "travlin papers"!

 

[ducklite]

Yes, the pins will set off the detector. My brother got a card from his ortho, it's about the size of a credit card and states that he has pins in his elbow and heels, and rods and pins in his back. His doctor suggested that he carry it in his wallet at all times in case he's ever involved in an accident and unconscious so that EMS will see it.

Anne

 

[#1Disfann]

I just called to let him know! He's starting to get excited about the trip now and is wanting all his ducks in a row! Course, who am I to talk...I'm also on . Thanks again!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

My FIL had both his hips replaced and travels all the time, including abroad. He has a credit card size x-ray showing his hips to show when he sets off the security.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I have rods, screws and cages and have never set any airport detectors off. I fly often too! I guess it depends on the metal type in the hardware.

 

[Simbee3]

I have rods, screws and cages and have never set any airport detectors off. I fly often too! I guess it depends on the metal type in the hardware.

I agree, I have plates pins and rods in my ankle and have flown many times since my surgeries in 2004. I have never set off any alarms. This is the first that I have heard of the x ray credit card for your wallet.

 

[pooh4me]

My DH aways gets stopped when flying both for his knee replacement and because of the wire used to keep the rib cage closed after bypass surgery.Most of the TSA scanners are aware of these things but having a card can come in handy.

 

[CPT Tripss]

If you alert the metal detector, they will "wand" you and then pat down the area(s) that alert the wand. Think of it as a free massage (whether desired or not).

 

[saffymom]

Count me in the group that doesn't set them off. I've travelled a lot over the last 10 years with various combinations of rods, screws and plates in my leg, and never once set off the metal detector. (OK, I did set it off once, but that was because I was in a hurry and forgot to take my keys out of my pocket ).

DH has a plate and screws in his throat and hasn't had a problem either. But we have a friend who has screws and a plate in his arm and he sets it off all the time. I guess we're just lucky!

 

[clkelley]

Hubby has a knee replacement and has a card he carries in his wallet also.

 

[DVC Grammy]

I've had a hip replacement (and I have one of those x-ray cards to carry in my wallet). Whether or not I set off the detector depends on the airport. So far, the only airport where I don't set it off is MCO (go figure ).
BTW, no TSA agent has ever wanted to see my pretty x-ray card!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I've had a hip replacement (and I have one of those x-ray cards to carry in my wallet). Whether or not I set off the detector depends on the airport. So far, the only airport where I don't set it off is MCO (go figure ).
BTW, no TSA agent has ever wanted to see my pretty x-ray card!

My very good friend is an ortho surgeon specializing in knee replacements. He has told me for years that airport screeners do not acknowledge identification cards or letters. Especially TSA now. Meaning the process is identical showing the card or not IF you set off the detector. Distribution of these cards has diminished greatly in our area too.

 

[solferino]

I've got a plate and 6 screws in my arm and the only airport that's detected it was Philadelphia. I'm not sure what's up with that. (I've had the plate in for nearly 20 years. ) I never heard about the cards until today.

Just for fun, DH tried little hand held metal detector thing from his cruiser (like the wands they use at the airport) to see if it picked up the plate. Sure did, so I don't know why other airports haven't been a problem.

 

[#1Disfann]

Looks like we are all learning something new. Maybe is does depend on the metal and the airport but since his doctor was the one that told him he would set them off he will get the letter/card just in case. I also figured if he set it off they would just use the hand scanner....then he should only beep at the hip and knees! Thanks everyone!

 

[Piper]

I have a plate and 8 screws in my neck, but because I have crutches and braces and WC, I always end up "wanded"--no big deal--just allow extra time!

 

[cloverkat]

My mother has had two hip replacements and has set off the detectors at every airport she has flown out of so far.She has a note from her doctor also but the screeners don't really look at it because they have to wand her anyway.I just make sure that I go in front of her so that I can catch her shoes and carry ons and such for her while she's being wanded.

 

[DVC-Don]

I have screws holding one heel together and have never set off an airport detector.