Going Through Security After a Total Knee Replacement: Tips for a Smooth Journey

So, you’ve had a total knee replacement, and now you’re going through your first security checkpoint.  

Oh crap!  Is this going to be a total pain in the ass, or will you just dance on through?  

Well, I can tell you that I have been through many security points since my total knee replacement. This includes the airport, the courthouse (thank you, jury duty!), and many other secure buildings, such as museums.  

So, take a deep breath and relax because it is usually pretty easy!  

With the right knowledge and a few handy tips, you’ll find it’s simpler than you thought. 

Want to know how? Read on!

Preparing for Airport Security

At my first post-op appointment after my knee replacement, I asked my orthopedic surgeon if I needed anything special to pass through airport metal detectors.

I knew that we were flying for our next vacation in about three months. 

He told me that they used to give a TSA notification card to anyone who had joint replacement surgery, but this has stopped — he thought around 9/11.    

He did tell me that I would absolutely set off the metal detectors, but not to worry it’s normal.  

I will tell you that I did no other prep for my flight – I truly didn’t think about it.

I just showed up – and no earlier than I had in the past.  

What to Expect at the Checkpoint

When I arrived at the airport, I had totally forgotten that I had a joint replacement.   

I was about four months out from my total knee replacement and feeling pretty good. 

I was also with my kids and grandkids, so needless to say, it was a bit chaotic. 

I went through the metal detector, and yep, I set it off!  

My first thought was oh crap, I forgot to take something off or out of my pockets.  

They checked my pockets and patted me down, did the wand thingy, and nothing.  

Finally, the TSA agent asked me if I had a joint replacement.

Oh duh!  Yes, of course I did.  

They then placed me in the full-body scan machine for additional screening. After I stepped through this machine, I was released to board the plane.    

Coming back from vacation, I did notify the TSA officer prior to going through the airport security checkpoints. Again, they placed me in the full-body scan machine, did the little wandy thing, and sent me on through to my flight.  

READ MORE:  Detection of Orthopaedic Implants by Airport Metal Detectors – PMC (nih.gov)

Going Through Security Points at Government Buildings

A few months after my vacation, I received a jury duty notice.  

So, I went to the courthouse on my assigned day.

Of course, this required that I go through the metal detector.

So, after dumping my pockets and taking off all the metal on me, I went on through.

This is going to make me sound stupid, but again, I totally forgot about my total joint replacement.  

Yep, you guessed it – I set off the alarm and could not figure out why!  

So, once again, I got the pat down and the wandy thing.  

Then, the security officer asked me if I had a joint replacement. 

YEP! It was my knee replacement implant.  

They did not have full-body scanners, but I was wanded again and sent on my way. 

I will say that secretly, I was hoping they would deny my access to jury duty (JK).  

READ MORE: Can You Return To Normal Activities After Knee Replacement? | Simply Aging Healthy

Getting Through Security After a Total Knee Replacement or Joint Replacement Surgery

Flying can be a hassle, but going through security after a total knee replacement doesn’t have to add stress to your travel plans. 

Think about walking confidently through the scanner, ready for anything.

​All you need to do is make sure that the security officer or TSA agent is aware that you are the proud owner of an artificial joint. 

This can make your life so much easier and help you get through security quickly.    

Let me know if you had a different experience.

It could really help someone else who is considering boarding an airplane or entering secure buildings.