The Impact of Orthopaedic Trauma Implants on Airport Screening

Introduction: Patients with a metal implant are often concerned with travel through airport security and whether documentation is required. This study captures modern day patient’s experiences through airport security and detection.

Methods: This is a prospective observational study at a level 1 trauma center. Patients 18 to 75 years old, with operative fixation using an intramedullary nail or plate/screw construct, were provided a device card and surveyed the first post-operative year regarding airport travel. Patients who underwent arthroplasty or had pre-existing metal implants were excluded.

Results: Preliminary results are presented (n=100; 51% male; average age 45; BMI 26.3; 38% fall from standing). The majority had lower extremity injuries (61%) and at least 1 plate construct (81.7%). Mean time from surgery to travel was 3.6 months. Of 194 surveys completed, there were 177 events through security. Sixteen of 91 events through a metal detector had a positive response (17.6%) versus 14% of body scans (12 of 86). When a device card was brought, participants reported not needing to show it (152 of 168 events). Of the 16 events when the device card was presented, 10 events had screening avoided. There was a high preference for a device card (75% surveys).

Conclusion: The rate of detection of intramedullary nails and plate/screw constructs is low in patients traveling through airport security. When given an option, patients prefer to travel with a medical device card.