Re: Self-amputation
Actually it depends on the type of metal detector most Airport detectors and hand held detectors do pick it up but I have a medical section on my passport I still get patted down but due to health and saftey and I guess PR they deliberatley know not to let me pass through metal detectors anyway… 
Most severe broken bones are now fixed with metal fittings… thing is you can have them taken out if you want but it permanently results in deformation of the bone… the metal not only holds the bone in place it stops it swelling.
My plates gonna be taken out when I can afford it.