Can I get through the airport with screws and rails in my body?

Will the scanner at the airport make a whining noise because of the screws in my back? Can I go through security with my new hip without the scanner reacting? Can I get a copy of my X-ray to take with me to the airport? Our doctors and radiographers get these and similar questions all the time! We give you the answers here.

Question:
Can I go through security with my new hip without the scanner reacting?
Can I go through security with the screws in my wrist?

Answer:
YES. Most implants (screws, rails, etc.) today are made of titanium, which is non-magnetic and therefore won't show up in the airport metal detector. Older implants are often made of stainless steel, which is also non-magnetic. However, if the scanner does sound, many airports have full-body scanners that will show that the implants are implanted.

Question:
Can I use a copy of my X-ray as documentation for implants?

Answer:
You are welcome to have a copy of your x-ray printed out, but a copy of an x-ray is rarely accepted as documentation. An image can be forged very easily - X-rays can be found online and the relevant social security number can be added to the image. However, the vast majority of airports now have full-body scanners that eliminate the need for documentation. With the full-body scanner, airport staff can quickly see that a new knee, splint or screws have been implanted, for example.

Published on December 6, 2022