can't find an answer on the TSA website!!

It is best to be prepared. For some inplants a card is given and a doctors note might help speed things along and communicate exactly what you have, but in the end, you'll be pulled aside and patted down and wanded. My suggestion is to do as any traveller should and assure you have no other metal, or anything, in your pocket or on you (watch, jewelry, etc) and when you go through, if the detector beeps, tell them immediately that you have a medical implant. It saves them trying to run you through multiple times, delaying others.

My father simply points to the scars on his leg and that has been enough of an explanation in Europe, Asia and Canada.

My husband also has a plate and screws from when he broke his ankle. It sometimes sets off the alarms (here- never in Europe). He just tells them, shows the scar and they wand him. Sometimes they also check his bag. If your doctor will give you a letter, it might be usefull. But I don't think this will be a big problem for you.

You didn't say where in Europe you plan to go, but be aware that at least in Italy most museums have metal detectors. You might want to make a card that explains you have a metal plate in the language(s) of whatever countr(ies) you are visiting, just to be safe.

My dad has a pacemaker and so cannot go through metal detectors. He had a translator card but never had to use it. He would just flag down one of the security guards, tap his heart and say 'pacemaker' and more times than not, they let him through without even wanding him.

Especially with the recent terror attempt, I would suggest being upfront about the metal plate before you set the alarm off. Most security folks are accustomed to people who have medical reasons for setting off the alarm/not being able to go through the alarm.

My husband & a dear friend both have had knee replacements. They were provided cards from their doctors about such but so far this card has done them no good. They both have been put through an intense patdown each time going through security. Oh well, just plan enough time for security.

I have never had my plate and screws set off a metal detector anywhere. If I did, though, I think the scar would be evidence enough that it's not a knife that I could pull out at will and use as a weapon.

I have a plate and lots of screws in my ankle and have never set off an alarm, so have never had any problems -- at least, so far!

My father had two artificial hips and one artificial knee. Doctors note wasn't worth the paper it was written on. He actually did start carrying a x-ray of his hips. He'd show it to security at the I.D. check and he'd be waived out of line and sped through security. No English required. He'd be on his second cup of coffee in the airline lounge by the time the rest of us joined him! If you are flying El Al all bets are off...that is SERIOUS security starting from miles outside the airport.

TSA covers this under "hidden medical disabilities".
this is the address http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#1

(I scoured the site a few months ago due to my daughter's issue and knew I had read this)

Be sure to read it for yourself, but in a nutshell you notify security before you go through the detector and then expect a pat down. Kinda sounds like Dr notes don't mean a lot to them. (go figure)
Enjoy your journey!

Thank you so much for all the replies!

Hello Snicker,
I broke tibia & fibula in my left leg twelve years. Received a 14" titanium rod and a pair of pins for my trouble. TSA scanners used to say that metal under the skin would not spike a scan and I used to go thru without questions. Last September in CDG I was stopped and set aside for a couple of mins. I explained what was in my calf and was waived thru without further delay. Best advice I would give is be sure to get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight leaves and try to go thru the security check point right away.

My dad works for TSA at Seatac Airport here in Seattle, just tell them before hand that you have a metal plate in your leg and that should be fine. If you buzz they may perform a pat down, but you should be fine just telling them prior.