Traveling After Joint Replacement Surgery

Many travelers who’ve recently had a joint replacement wonder if their new hip or knee will set off metal detectors at airport security checkpoints. Most likely, it will.

If you’re flying:

• Be prepared for a secondary screening when going through security, including being “wanded” (scanned with a handheld detector that pinpoints the area of the body that triggered the security alarm).

• The newer walk-through, full-body X-ray scanner security gates will show your replacement joint.

• Unfortunately, a wallet card or letter from your doctor is no longer sufficient due to increased security measures. Plan for it to take a bit longer to get through airport security.

Other Travel Concerns After Joint Replacement

If you fly during the first few months after surgery:

• Get a seat with as much leg room as possible; preferably an aisle seat.

• Try to get up and walk every 45-60 minutes.

• Do your ankle pump exercises frequently.

• Stay hydrated.

• Wear your post-op compression stockings.

By 3 months post-op, your risk of getting a blood clot is the same as that of someone who has not had surgery.

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