RELATED NEW ARTICLES

Do I Need A Card?

One hundred twenty-nine volunteers, with a total of 149 metal
implants, walked through the detector when it was set at normal
sensitivity and high-alert sensitivity.

Every total hip replacement, and 90 percent of total knee
replacements, were detected at the normal setting.

But only 14 percent of the plates were detected, and none of the
screws, wires or nails. Shoulder and wrist replacements also made it
through.

Titanium and cobalt-chromium implants were more likely to be detected
than stainless steel implants.

Article #1:

Metallic Orthopaedic Implants and Airport Metal Detectors; The Journal of Arthroplasty September 2002; Volume 17, number 1, pages 62-65; Kamineni        
 Since 9/11/01 the focus on Airport Security has significantly increased. It has made travel for everyone more complicated and difficult.

 The authors concluded that Patients with metallic implants should prepare routinely with documentation of their implant before traveling through security ports. In addition, physicians should expect to hear frequent questions about such security detection of metallic implants from their patients and be prepared to educate their patients about these issues. 

Artical # 2                                                                                                                   
NEWS USA TODAY 11/26/02 Business & Travel reports:             
Bring verification of medical implant or other device if it's likely to set off the alarm. Though not a Federal requirement, it can help speed the process, the Transportation Security Administration says.           

Artical # 3315/7119/1377

Yet patients, having had their operations in a different country or hospital, go to their local hospital for follow up, often without any proper documentation. In such circumstances an implant card would be of immense value. This would detail the particulars of the patient, along with the date, site, and type of implant inserted or removed. Any other relevant comments and the manufacturer's name would be of added value.

Implant cards given to patients would not only be a permanent record but also help hospitals to be equipped with the appropriate facilities when a patient needs further surgery. It should not cost a lot to introduce such cards.

Artical # 4

Infections:  Notify your Dentist, Physician or Surgeon

Infections may localize at the site of the artificial implant and can cause major complications.  Therefore, if at any time you should contract an infection anywhere in your body, especially those that cause high fever, your should have it treated immediately by your physician.  The need for special precaution during routine dental check-ups is controversial.  If your gums tend to bleed during the cleaning process, prior top having dental work for tooth and gum infections and before undergoing surgical processes, antibiotics are recommended.  Typically, 3 grams of Amoxicillin are advised one hour before and 1.5 grams six hours following any dental root canal or major dental procedure.  Erythromycin stearate is recommended if you are allergic to Amoxicillin or Penicillin (1 gram 1.5-2 hours before and 500 mg 6 hours later).  You should notify your physician or surgeon for other surgical procedures or infections so they can prescribe the appropriate medication.  Antibiotic coverage is individualized according to the possible bacterial infection.