Say you have had a fracture and metal plates are used to fix the bones . If you develop a new issue in the same area which requires an MRI scan how would it be performed since no metal objects are allowed in the machine ?
PS : didn’t know whether i had to use a ‘Biology’ or ‘Engineering’ flair.
In: Engineering
Usually surgical metal is made of titanium which is MRI safe. There are specific types of MRIs that can correct for artifacts or sort of “sunspots” thrown off from the metal. If the metal plates are very old, like from the 70’s, they may not be MRI safe in which case the patient would most likely have a CT scan instead.
These days, orthopedic metal implants have varying degrees of MRI compatibility, depending on the metal/metallic alloy combination.
Also, location matters- facial implants are termed riskier.
I had brain surgery and have a ball of platinum springs in my head. They’re not magnetic, so I can go through an MRI. CT scans would be an option if you have magnetic metal in your body, like some metal workers, people with shrapnel injuries, etc
I’ve had an MRI done twice, once with piercings still in, and nothing happened above a slight tickle.
My piercings are surgical stainless. Basically, low/ non-ferrous metals won’t react.
I have replacement discs in my neck. The metal is MRI safe. I’ve actually had a few MRIs since getting the devices. When I had a shoulder MRI I feel a warm sensation in my neck. I’m not sure if it’s actually heating up, or my mind creating the feeling.
I spent quite a number of years as a welder/boiler maker apprentice. When I had to have an MRI on my knee. They freaked out when I answered yes to “have you ever worked in the metal industries. It was 20+ years ago so I was fine after the boss came in and we had a chat about what I did.
They were concerned about thw machine ripping small fragments out through my body. Especially my eyes. They asked alot of questions about grinding spray getting in my eyes.
Everything turned out fine
If your implant is MRI-safe (certain metals are), you undergo MRI like your usual MRI procedure.
If there is even slightest doubt, radiologists default to CT. It might not be ideal, but it is better than turning said metal into a railgun, even for metal alloy considered to be MRI safe ([one such case report mentioned this](https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-23-00004)). Different professional bodies has different guidelines, but generally if there is any doubt CT is much safer.
In addition, artifact caused by metal may cause unnecessary headaches for radiologists interpreting the results when CT could perform at least as good as MRI. So it depends on circumstances, guidelines in place (either national or institutional), and personal preference. All was put in place to ensure patient safety while also ensuring patient to undergo necessary radiology exams.
Additional question: I have a spinal cord stimulator that isn’t MRI safe, but if I press a button on my remote, it’s suddenly MRI safe. How does that work?
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