“Will the metal in my device set off metal detectors at the airport?” Especially since September 11, 2001, when airport security measures increased significantly, it’s been a common question for spinal implant patients. They’re concerned they may set off detectors, be subjected to more screening than their fellow travelers, and, of course, delay their travel. Metal implants can include knee replacements, hip replacements, and other orthopedic implants. Implants are usually made of cobalt chrome, stainless steel, or titanium. The location of your implant, and what it’s made of, can both affect whether you set off a metal detector. While there are some reports of airport metal detection rates of orthopedic implants generally, there have been few data regarding spinal implants specifically. A recent study of pediatric spinal fusion patients found that cobalt chrome implants set off metal detectors 24% of the time, while stainless steel implants went undetected. Past studies have also found that implants with cannulated screws and implants with high iron content are more likely to be detected. A 2012 study showed that archway metal detectors do not detect modern spinal implants. Handheld metal detectors, on the other hand, detected all modern posterior spinal implants and anterior cervical