Does the patient need a prosthesis I.D. card for airport metal detectors?
Generally, airport metal detector alarms are set off by artificial knee joints. To be on the safe side, request a letter from the physician stating the situation, but most travelers with artificial knee joints can expect to be “wanded” from head to toe. Does the patient need to tell their dentist about the knee prosthesis? Yes. If the patient has any dental work done, including cleaning or minor surgery, he/she should have antibiotics to prevent bacteria spreading from their mouth to their knee. When may the patient return to work? It varies, depending on the type of work or volunteer activity. The new knee joint should allow the patient to return to most activities.
