Airport detectors and orthopaedic implants

Bart C.H. Van Der Wal*, Bernd Grimm, Ide C. Heyligers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

As a result of the rising threats of terrorism, airport security has become a major issue. Patients with orthopaedic implants are concerned that they may activate alarms at airport security gates. A literature overview showed that the activation rate of the alarm by hand-held detectors is higher than for arch detectors (100% versus 56%). Arch detection rate has significantly increased from 0% before 1995 up to 83.3% after 1994. Reported factors which influence detection rates are implant mass, implant combinations, implant volume, transfer speed, side of implant, detector model, sensitivity settings, material and tissue masking. Detection rate has been improved by more sensitive devices and improved filter software. Doctors should be able to objectively inform patients. A form is presented which will easily inform the airport security staff.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)379-384
Number of pages6
JournalActa Orthopaedica Belgica
Volume71
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Airport detectors
  • Orthopaedic implants

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