Is an MRI examination safe for people with metal implants?
January 18, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Helma Rothwiller
Dear radiologist,
My name is Albrecht Müller and I have been suffering from severe back pain for some time. My orthopedist has advised me to undergo an MRI examination to determine the exact cause of my symptoms. However, a few years ago I had a hip operation where metal implants were inserted.
I am concerned about whether an MRI examination is safe for people with metal implants. I have heard that complications can arise when metal is present in the body. Is it possible for the implants to shift or for other unwanted side effects to occur if I undergo an MRI examination?
I am unsure and would like to ensure that my health is not put at risk by the examination. Are there any specific precautions that can be taken to ensure that the MRI examination is safe for me? Are there alternative examination methods that are safer for people with metal implants?
Thank you in advance for your response and I hope that you can help address my concerns.
Sincerely,
Albrecht Müller
Dear Mr. Müller,
Thank you for your question regarding the safety of an MRI examination in the presence of metal implants in the body. It is understandable that you are concerned and want to ensure that the examination is safe for you.
In general, an MRI examination is possible for patients with metal implants, but there are indeed some important points to consider in order to avoid possible complications. Metallic implants can affect the image in the MRI and lead to artifacts that can make diagnosis difficult. There is also a risk of heating effects on the implants during the examination.
Therefore, it is important that you inform your treating physician about your implants before the MRI examination. Depending on the type and material of the implants, it may be necessary to take special precautions. In some cases, it may even be necessary to perform alternative imaging techniques such as CT or ultrasound examinations to minimize potential risks.
There are also special MRI examination protocols that have been developed for patients with metal implants to improve image quality and reduce the risk of complications. These protocols may extend the examination time, but are generally safer for patients with implants.
It is also important to know that not all metal implants are the same. Some materials such as titanium or certain stainless steels are safer for MRI examinations than others. If you know the exact specifications of your implants, be sure to share this information with your treating physician.
Overall, it is possible to safely perform an MRI examination in the presence of metal implants, as long as certain precautions are taken. Talk to your radiologist about your concerns and inform them about your implants to ensure that the examination is safe for you.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you all the best for your health.
Sincerely,
Helma Rothwiller
