MRI making metal titanium plates leg metal titanium. Planning and monitoring the results of hip replacement. When can I start swimming after hip replacement?

An MRI machine, by generating a strong magnetic field around a person, is capable of examining many disorders and pathologies of organs and tissues, but it can have a negative effect on the body of patients who have metal foreign bodies. One of the contraindications for the MRI procedure is the presence of implants made of various metals and alloys. Implants are considered to be pins in bone tissue, joints, permanent structures, pacemakers, and dentures. Why do doctors recommend choosing a different examination method in the presence of metal implants? Is their presence an absolute contraindication for the procedure? If there are metal objects in the body, in particular titanium, is it possible to undergo an MRI or not?

MRI and metal plates

Depending on the relationship of any metal to the influence of a magnetic field, they are divided into diagmagnets (in the field they are subject to weak repulsion), paramagnetic (weakly attracted by the magnetic field) and ferromagnetic (strongly susceptible to the influence of the field).

In exceptional situations, the doctor may prescribe an MRI if the patient has metal plates. If there is metal in the body, the examination can only be carried out if its immediate location is outside the range of the magnetic field, or the diagnosis will be performed using low-field equipment. However, in the vast majority of cases, metal prostheses are a contraindication to the procedure.

In the presence of titanium plates in the leg and other parts of the body, diagnostics are carried out without restrictions, since titanium is paramagnetic and is not characterized by strong attraction in a magnetic field. MRI with a titanium prosthesis is as informative and harmless as without it.

MRI after stenting

After stenting, an MR examination is not only allowed, but also prescribed. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to do an MRI after stenting is positive. But the specialist conducting magnetic resonance imaging must know exactly what material the stents are made of.

It is absolutely possible to carry out examinations with bioabsorbable stents, since they consist of a biopolymer - after a given time they are absorbed, but the lumen of the vessel is preserved.

In other cases, stents are made of inert metal alloys: stainless steel, cobalt alloys, etc. Note that the patient is required to strictly follow the instructions for the stent, i.e. if it states that MRI should not be done in the first few weeks after stenting, then this applies not only to the area where the stent is installed, but to the entire body. Even if it is not directly located in the apparatus tunnel, the magnetic field works equally strongly in the room where the tomograph is installed.

Sometimes immediate diagnosis is necessary when the presence of a stent is not known before MRI is performed because the patient does not have time to report them. Practice has confirmed that the materials currently used for the manufacture of stents are not ferromagnetic and do not respond to external field influences, and, therefore, are MRI-compatible.

Is it possible to do an MRI with iron crowns?

If you have old-style crowns made of iron, you cannot screen the brain and heart. The metal heats up significantly, which causes severe pain in the patient, deformation of the metal structure - the integrity of the implants may be compromised or they may fly off the teeth.

With crowns and dentures with metal-ceramics, screening of the brain and heart area is allowed, but there is a high probability of an unreliable result due to a distortion of the response to magnetic field signals.

Regardless of the type of alloys of crowns and prostheses, it is allowed to conduct MRI of the lumbar spine, abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space, pelvic region and extremities in closed-type devices.

When installing pins, high-strength titanium implants are often used. Their presence does not affect the reliability of the examination results; moreover, the size of the pins is so small that the magnetic field does not have any significant effect on them.

Metal crowns made of polymer alloys also do not distort magnetic field signals, however, you should check with your dentist about the possibility of conducting an MRI. Some structures heat up, so the procedure will cause significant discomfort to the patient.

If a patient has dental bridges installed, then they probably contain separate parts - pins, plates, screws of various sizes. For their manufacture, diamagnetic, ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials are used - cobalt, iron alloy and nickel, which react differently to magnetic field signals. Therefore, you should check with your dentist what materials were used to make the prosthesis, and notify the tomography specialist - he will decide on the possibility of conducting an MRI.

Is it possible to do an MRI with braces?

Modern brace systems are made of expensive and durable alloys that do not deform under the influence of magnetic-nuclear radiation and cannot move or injure the patient’s oral mucosa.

Small structures do not distort tomograph signals and do not heat up; their response to a magnetic field is very weak.

You cannot do an MRI if a fairly voluminous structure - more than 20 cm - is secured with ferromagnetic retainers. In this case, the bracket may become hot.

Is it necessary to do an MRI if a bracket is swallowed to accurately determine its position in the intestine? It is impossible to swallow a large brace, but a small one will come out naturally. To speed up this process, you need to eat more viscous porridge and drink fluids.

Braces do not affect the patient's condition during MRI, but because of them, you can get an insufficiently reliable result when scanning the brain, heart area, thoracic or cervical spine.

In cases where it is urgently necessary to screen the brain and cardiac system, and doctors do not see an alternative to MRI, you should contact orthodontists and remove dental implants. After tomography, they are reinstalled in the required volume.

Is it possible to do MRI with endoprostheses and other implants?

What to do if the patient has various types of implants right in his body? First of all, this must be reported to the specialist conducting the examination, since many metals are ferromagnetic and can shift in the body under the influence of a magnetic field.

For an MRI with a steel wire in the body, everything is not so simple. Iron causes the magnetic field to deviate from a given direction, which leads to distortion of the resulting images and the appearance of artifacts (defects) on them. In addition, the needle can heat up, creating unpleasant sensations for the patient.

Also, the answer to the question whether it is possible to do an MRI with an endoprosthesis depends on what material it is made of. If it is titanium, then there are no restrictions. If it is made of ferromagnetic materials, then this is a contraindication for research. You can find out exactly what metal the implant is made of in the design passport, which is issued to the patient after prosthetics.

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There is a misconception that MRI is contraindicated for patients with implants. This was the case a couple of decades ago. Patients were fitted with joint prostheses made of steel, nickel and cobalt. Performing an MRI with such implants could lead to serious consequences. At the moment, the situation has changed radically. The use of implants and non-magnetic alloys in modern medicine has allowed patients with endoprostheses to undergo MRI examinations without fear.

What types of implants can MRI be used with?

Magnetic resonance imaging can be performed on patients with installed modern prostheses, as well as with bone implants made of paramagnetic alloys.

Important. Endoprostheses and fixators for osteosynthesis must be made of alloys or ceramics with low magnetic conductivity. This will avoid displacement of the implant, as well as its heating during the study.

Patients with hernia mesh, dentures, breast and joint endoprostheses can undergo MRI. Such implants are produced using non-magnetic materials. But before starting an MRI study, it is still better to consult a specialist.

Interaction of various materials with a magnetic field

Different materials interact with a magnetic field differently. Various metals in a magnetic field can be attracted, repelled, heated, or not react to it at all.

ClassMetalDescription
Diamagnets

CopperZirconium

Negative magnetic susceptibility. When interacting with magnetic fields, such metals repel. Diamagnets are very rarely used in endoprosthetics.

Paramagnets

TitanTungsten

Aluminum

This group of metals is characterized by low magnetic conductivity. Paramagnetic prostheses are not contraindicated for MRI procedures. Such prostheses do not heat up or move during the examination.

Ferromagnets

IronNickel

These are metals with high magnetic conductivity, which depends on the strength of magnetic fields. Implants and endoprostheses containing such metals can move or heat up in a magnetic field.

Plates, pins, and endoprostheses used in modern medicine consist of various alloys. Different implants may contain different amounts of paramagnetic and ferromagnetic metals. The magnetic properties of the implanted structure depend on the ratio of such metals in the alloy.

Most modern prostheses contain ceramics or polyethylene, which do not interact in any way with magnetic fields, and therefore do not affect the results of MRI studies and have no contraindications for MRI. However, ceramics may contain aluminum oxide, which has some magnetic conductivity.

Plates and pins for fixing bone fragments, as well as external fixation devices (Illizarova) are made of metal alloys.

Manufacturers of non-magnetic “safe” implants

Over the past 20 years, implants made of chromium-cobalt alloys, which respond to the influence of a magnetic field, have been used in medicine.

In recent years, implants made from modern, high-quality materials have appeared. They do not cause allergic reactions or unwanted complications during MRI.

Modern implants used in orthopedics and traumatology.

ManufacturerCharacteristicsBehavior of implants during MRI examination
Biomet Produces high-quality implants that take root well and do not cause allergic reactions.Due to their small size and low magnetic susceptibility, they do not interfere with MRI.
Zimmer Unlike most companies, it produces products not from titanium, but from tantalum. The implants have a porous coating, which makes them ideally fused with the bone tissue.They do not cause unexpected complications during magnetic resonance imaging and do not distort the results of the study.
Johnson&Johnson The company produces implants according to all available standards and technologies today.Do not interact with magnetic field. When available, MRI is absolutely safe.
Smith&Nephew Manufactures endoprostheses from a unique alloy containing zirconium and niobium. These materials are of very high quality and are well tolerated by patients.Smith&Nephew implants are hypoallergenic and practically do not interact with the magnetic field.
Stryker A world-famous company engaged in the production of beta-titanium endoprostheses and fixators for internal osteosynthesis.Owners of Stryker implants can undergo MRI without any worries. Additional precautions may only be necessary if you have several large prostheses.
Aesculap Produces endoprostheses from titanium, zirconium ceramics, chrome-cobalt alloys. Aesculap products are characterized by high strength and wear resistance.Most implants from this company can easily withstand magnetic resonance imaging.

If you have an endoprosthesis installed from one of the companies presented above, you can safely undergo an MRI. But in any case, you need to consult a doctor before the study.

Contraindications to MRI with installed implants

Implants for which MRI cannot be performed:

  • artificial heart valves;
  • stents and clips on vessels;
  • inner ear implants;
  • electrical pacemakers;
  • artificial eye lens;
  • Illizarova devices;
  • insulin pump;
  • large metal implants.

MRI cannot be done if there are various fragments in the body, for example after road accidents and accidents.

How to find out if you can have an MRI

You can conduct an MRI examination if you have foreign bodies in your body only with the permission of your doctor. Only a specialist can determine whether you need this research and how safe it will be for you.

Possible complications and precautions

If there are electronic implants, the magnetic field can disable them, which can seriously harm the patient or even lead to the death of the person. Carrying out an MRI examination for people with coronary walls and clips on the vessels can provoke bleeding and even lead to death. Endoprostheses made of magnetic alloys can move during MRI and heat up, causing internal burns.

Metal prostheses produce noise in a magnetic field and cause artifacts in the image, thereby distorting the image of surrounding tissues. There is no use in trying to obtain an MRI image of an artificial joint or bone with fonts or plates.

The formation of the hip joint (HA), which is a simple synovial joint, occurs with the participation of two articulating bones - the ilium and the femur.

The cup-shaped depression on the outside of the pelvic bone (acetabulum) and the ball-shaped bone of the femoral head together form the hip joint, which is a kind of hinge structure.

The head of the femur is connected to the femur by a neck, which is popularly called the “femoral neck.” The inside of the acetabulum and the femoral head itself are covered with a layer of special articular cartilage (hyaline).

Cartilage is an elastic and, at the same time, durable and smooth layer in the joint. Provides gliding during joint operation, releasing joint fluid, distributing the load during movement and the necessary shock absorption.

Around the head of the joint there is a capsule consisting of very dense and durable fibrous tissue.

The joint is secured using:

  1. Bundles. The external ones are attached at one end to the femur, at the other to the pelvic bone. And the internal ligament of the head of the pelvic bone connects the head itself with the acetabulum of the pelvic bone.
  2. Muscle They surround the hip joint - the buttocks at the back and the femurs at the front. The better the muscular framework of the joint is developed, the less traumatic loads on it when running, unsuccessful jumps and moving heavy objects. It is also important that a good volume of strong working muscles delivers a sufficient amount of nutrients to the joint through the blood.

With the help of the hip joint, a person is simultaneously provided with the following functional capabilities:

  • body stability (support, balance);
  • variety of movements.

Why is the joint affected?

Obvious causes of damage include injury. Examples are femoral neck fracture, hip dislocation or subluxation.

Non-obvious diseases (infectious and non-infectious arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory processes in the joint and periarticular tissues).

Let's look at the main ones:

  • inflammation of the pelvic joint - usually caused by arthritis of various etiologies, bursitis, synovitis, etc.;
  • pathology of joint deviation – dysplasia;
  • necrosis in the head of the TM of some parts of the bone marrow - non-infectious necrosis (avascular).

When and who needs a hip replacement?

The occurrence of pain in the hip joint is a signal that you should contact a professional to determine its causes. To do this, at the initial stage You should undergo an X-ray examination of the vehicle.

The solution to the problem for a worn out or irreversibly injured joint can be endoprosthetics, which may be indicated in the following cases:

  • non-healing fracture of the head of the vehicle;
  • fractures of the femoral neck or acetabulum in elderly patients;
  • aseptic necrosis;
  • tumor-like diseases of the TS;
  • deforming arthrosis of the third stage;
  • congenital hip dislocation, etc.

What types of operations does medicine offer?

In modern medicine, patients are offered three types of operations based on the type of prosthetics:

  1. Replacing the surfaces of the femoral bone - removing the cartilaginous layers from the acetabulum and replacing them with a special artificial material and turning the head of the femur and putting a metal cap on it. Thanks to this replacement of articular surfaces, gliding is achieved that is close to natural.
  2. Partial prosthetics is the replacement, for example, of the head of the pelvic joint with part of the femoral neck or articular bed.
  3. Complete prosthetics – removal of the entire hip joint and replacing it with an endoprosthesis.

Types of endoprostheses

In modern medicine, there are more than six dozen modifications of endoprostheses today. They are divided according to the method of fixation and material. Three methods of fixation are offered today:

  • cementless – fixation occurs due to the fact that the joint bone grows into the surface of the joint;
  • cement – ​​the endoprosthesis is fixed using special bone cement;
  • mixed (hybrid) - the cup is attached without bone cement, and the leg is attached with cement.

Modern combinations of materials from which prostheses are made are selected depending on the patient’s disease, age and lifestyle. They may be:

  • metal – metal;
  • metal - plastic of very high quality;
  • ceramics – ceramics;
  • ceramics - plastic.

Preparing for surgery

All necessary information to prepare for surgery will be provided to you by your attending physician.

However, there are moments for which the patient will have to prepare in advance (especially those who are lonely).

Since rehabilitation after a joint replacement continues at home, it is worth preparing your home for the postoperative recovery period:

  • purchase special equipment in the form of walkers or crutches, a special toilet seat, etc.;
  • stop taking certain medications (aspirin-containing, anti-inflammatory);
  • if necessary, reduce your weight;
  • do physical training;
  • visit the dentist;
  • give up bad habits (smoking).

Before the operation, the patient is required to complete the necessary documents (the operation is carried out in cash, under a contract within the framework of health insurance or under quotas of the federal program for the provision of free high-tech medical care); talk with an anesthesiologist about the most favorable anesthesia option for you; Stop eating at least 12 hours before surgery.

Joint replacement surgery

Modern advances in medicine make it possible to perform both open and minimally invasive surgeries for hip replacement.

Today, minimally invasive surgeries (MI) are the most common due to their minimal impact on the body.

To carry out MO you need:

  • high qualifications and professionalism of the surgeon and all medical staff;
  • availability of technical capabilities (endoscopic equipment, high-tech materials).

Depending on the complexity of the operation (partial or complete prosthetics), its duration can last from one to three to four hours:

  • anesthesia;
  • installation of a catheter in the urethra (to prevent involuntary urination and control the amount of fluid secreted by the body);
  • an incision on the outer thigh (or two small ones - on the thigh and in the groin area);
  • peeling and shifting of tissues around the vehicle;
  • installation of a prosthesis;
  • restoring tissue integrity and suturing the wound.

The video clearly shows how hip replacement is performed.

Possible complications

Any surgical intervention in the body can have its negative consequences. Complications after the procedure most often occur in those undergoing surgery:

  • with large joint deformation;
  • with obesity or large muscle mass;
  • having a number of serious concomitant diseases - diabetes, blood diseases, heart diseases and the entire cardiovascular system, etc.

Joint replacement can cause the following complications:

  • incorrect position of the endoprosthesis;
  • damage to nerve fibers and arteries;
  • disruption of the postoperative wound healing process;
  • the occurrence of infections;
  • fracture of the femur, dislocation or “popping out” of the prosthesis;
  • thrombotic phenomena in deep veins.

Rehabilitation after surgery

Rehabilitation after endoprosthetics can be long and take up to 6 months.

The patient should monitor the suture, body temperature and his sensations. Pain during this period may pass and return; the patient must be prepared for this and make efforts to fully restore the motor functions of the body.

For the first few days, the patient is prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Further rehabilitation after hip replacement consists of special light exercises and breathing exercises.

To prevent cicatricial tightening of tendons and skin, to strengthen the muscle frame around the prosthesis, the patient is prescribed physical therapy (PT).

As indicated by reviews from patients who have undergone endoprosthetics, it is worth adhering to the recommendations of specialists as much as possible and then rehabilitation will be quick and almost painless.

How rehabilitation goes after hip surgery is described in detail in the video.

Where can I have surgery in Russia?

The operation of hip replacement is a high-tech process.

In 2015, the inclusion of high-tech medical care (HTMC) in the compulsory medical insurance system was provided for by the new legislative project “On compulsory medical insurance in the Russian Federation.”

Therefore, here we will not specify who will pay for the operation - the patient or the insurance companies.

The cost of hip replacement consists of the prosthesis and the operation itself. Today, the cost of the operation (total hip replacement) ranges from 210 to 300 thousand rubles (depending on the cost of the prosthesis).

Hip replacement in Russia is performed both in federal budgetary healthcare institutions (federal centers for traumatology, orthopedics and endoprosthetics, regional clinical hospitals, research institutes) and in private clinics of the Russian Federation.

For example:

  • OAO "Medicine";
  • Family Clinic;
  • City Clinical Hospital No. 67 (Moscow);
  • KB MSMU im. Sechenov;
  • SM-Clinic;
  • Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
  • Multidisciplinary medical center “K+31”;
  • DKB named after Semashko;
  • Central Design Bureau No. 2 of JSC Russian Railways, etc.

Paget's disease is a disease in which there is a pathological growth of skeletal bone tissue and its deformation due to structural damage. This disease occurs as a result of a violation of the regenerative process in the bones; it is chronic. Otherwise, this disease is called “deforming osteodystrophy” or “deforming ostosis.”

Most often, the disease affects the bones of the lower leg and spine, collarbone and skull, hip and humerus. People over 40 years of age and mostly men suffer from this disease, women - 50% less often. The European population is most susceptible to this disease.

Medicine does not know the exact causes of this disease, but there is an assumption that the following factors contribute to its occurrence:

  • various conditions leading to disturbances in the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium in the body;
  • past viral diseases;
  • the presence of viruses in the body in the inactive phase;
  • hereditary predisposition.

Sometimes the cause of Paget's disease is a combination of all of these causes. If a hereditary predisposition prevails, then it is advisable for family members of the patient to undergo an x-ray examination of the bones and monitor the level of alkaline phosphatase by taking a blood test. A special place in a number of viral causes of the development of this disease is given to the measles virus.

Paget's disease occurs in two forms: monoostotic and polyostotic. The monoosseous form of the disease is characterized by damage to one bone; in the polyostotic form, several bones are affected. The main difference between this type of disease and other bone diseases is that there are no generalized bone lesions - the disease exclusively affects individual parts of the skeleton. It is known that this bone disease causes a continuous process of change in bone tissue without the influence of any load. It is believed that the disease can develop into bone sarcoma.

In its course, the disease goes through three stages:

  • initial;
  • active;
  • inactive.

The initial or osteolytic stage is characterized by a peculiar resorption of certain areas of the bone, as a result of which hollow pits are formed at this place. During the active stage, this process continues and at the same time bone growth occurs - they begin to acquire a cellular structure.

At the third stage - inactive - bone tissue is replaced by connective tissue, i.e. osteosclerosis develops. In this case, the surface of the bones becomes rough, due to their thickening, the mass decreases. If the tubular bones have been affected, they become bent and bent. When the disease affects the bones of the skull, they thicken up to 5 cm, which in turn entails deformation of the face and head. If the bones of the spine are damaged, the spinal column becomes deformed and curved.

The onset of the disease occurs without any symptoms; this asymptomatic course is quite long. Signs and symptoms of the disease appear gradually.

Its first manifestations can be detected when examining a patient for other pathological conditions, i.e., the disease is learned only when taking a blood test, when a change in the indicator responsible for metabolism in bone tissue - phosphatase - is accidentally detected. In addition, a sign of this disease is bone deformation.

Pain in the area of ​​the affected bone is the main symptom of the disease.

The pain is usually continuous, aching and dull. Its peculiarity is that it does not subside after rest, but rather intensifies at rest. If the disease occurs near a joint, the patient may complain of osteoarthritis. In addition, there is stiffness of movement, and the mobility of joints in the affected bone is limited.

Upon close and detailed examination, swelling can be seen in the lesions, the skin in this area is changed - there is hyperthermia of a separate area and its redness. If the doctor feels the affected area, thickening of the bone and unevenness of its edges may be noted. With slight pressure on such a bone, it can break.

As a result of the disease, bone fragility and bone fractures are observed, even as a result of minor trauma. When the spine is damaged, the back becomes deformed and stooped. In this case, the legs are bent and abnormal growth of the skull bones is observed. Deformations of the bones of the skull and spine can cause hearing or vision loss. This can occur as a result of compression of the nerve endings by the deformed bones. For the same reason, the patient may complain of constant headaches, numbness of the limbs and a feeling of “goosebumps” on the skin.

Diagnosis of the disease occurs by biochemical blood test and x-ray examination of skeletal bones. If the disease is present, the results of a blood test will indicate that the level of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase in the blood serum will be higher than normal. If such an increase is detected, it is necessary to regularly take blood tests to monitor possible changes.

X-ray examination is a very reliable and informative method for diagnosing bone diseases.

If the disease is present, the image will show the following features:

  • the skull bones are enlarged;
  • loose bone structure;
  • increased intracranial pressure;
  • increase in the size of the tubular and pelvic bones;
  • thickening of the periosteal layer;
  • bone decay and deformation;
  • fractures.

Diagnosis of Paget's disease can be done using methods such as computed tomography and MRI. Their use is advisable only in cases where no pathology was detected on the x-ray. Technetium bone scanning is also used for diagnostic purposes. It allows you to identify foci of bone tissue with pathological changes and carry out dynamic monitoring of the course of the disease under the influence of treatment procedures.

Until the disease has manifested itself in full force and is asymptomatic, no treatment is required. Basically, the disease requires symptomatic treatment. If pain occurs, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen) are used. In addition, the use of vitamin D and calcium is recommended.

If there is a change in gait caused by deformation of the bones of the lower extremities, the doctor may recommend the use of orthotics. In some cases, this disease requires orthopedic surgery - endoprosthetics or decompression. If the hip joint is significantly deformed, it can be replaced, as this will significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and relieve him of pain. This procedure is called endoprosthetics. Treatment for Paget's disease also includes exercise. It is not recommended to spend a long time in bed, as the pain intensifies at rest.

A mandatory element of therapy is the use of special medications, the main effect of which is aimed at slowing down the process of bone tissue destruction. These drugs are bisphosphonates, their use should be long-term. These medications have their own side effects and therefore should be prescribed by a doctor.

Conclusion on the topic

So, bone disease affects mainly older people and is associated with a disruption in the process of bone tissue regeneration. People at risk of developing Paget's disease should undergo regular screening. Its main symptoms are pain and bone deformation.

It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is quite possible to slow down its progression for a long time. The disease stops its progression under the influence of treatment, but existing pathological changes are irreversible. The duration of the course of treatment is approximately six months and is repeated as necessary.

There are quite frequent cases when a person needs to have metal implants installed in his body, allowing him to artificially replace certain organs or parts of the body. One of the most popular types of prosthetics is the knee joint. When knee replacement surgery occurs, there is a need to conduct a diagnostic study, which is called magnetic resonance imaging. Is it possible to do an MRI examination with a hip joint endoprosthesis if the procedure is performed to diagnose pathologies of other organs?

What is MRI and how to conduct the study?

MRI is a comprehensive or partial examination of certain organs or parts of the body, carried out to identify pathologies, diseases and neoplasms. The need to undergo an MRI arises only when a person develops painful syndromes, and it is not possible to determine the developing disease through examination and tests.

Magnetic resonance imaging is performed according to appropriate indications. This technique is one of the safest, harmless and painless procedures. The main advantage hidden in this type of diagnostic manipulation is to obtain the most detailed information about the organ or part of the body being examined. During the study, images are created in the form of sections of the organ under study with a minimum step of several millimeters. Using these sections, the specialist determines the presence of pathologies and abnormalities in the organ being examined. If there are any, an appropriate conclusion is drawn. Based on the images obtained, the attending physician decides how to overcome certain pathological problems in the body.

It is important to know! One of the significant disadvantages of the MRI procedure is the length of diagnosis. On average, the examination of one organ takes about 20-30 minutes, and when using contrast agents, the time increases to 40-50 minutes.

Patients often have a question: which is better: computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging? It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question, since both methods have their own purposes, although they are interconnected. It is worth highlighting the fact that when compared with CT, MRI does not emit x-rays, which are radioactive. When performing MRI, a constant magnetic field is created, leading to the excitation of hydrogen atoms in human tissues and organs. Based on the vibrations of hydrogen atoms and ions, which saturate human tissues and organs, a visualization of the body part being studied is created. The images obtained during this process are high-resolution images that allow visual diagnosis of the disease.

MRI and endoprosthetics

The MRI procedure has a significant contraindication: the technique is contraindicated for persons who have metal inserts, prostheses, or implants in the body. It is theoretically possible to perform MRI diagnostics with metal prostheses, but it is important to take into account the fact that metal will distort the examination results. This means that the expected high-precision image will be blurred and will not allow assessing the condition of the organ being examined.

Precisely because in the presence of metal elements in the body, it is not possible to obtain the highest quality image, the MRI procedure is contraindicated for such patients, but not in all cases. Now it’s worth returning to the elements of endoprosthetics. According to legislative regulations approved in many countries, including Russia, it is allowed to use implants for installation in the human body that meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

  • Implants should be made primarily from metals that are not magnetic;
  • they must have inertia;
  • must also undergo appropriate certification.

From the above, we can conclude that it is allowed to carry out MRI diagnostics with prostheses that have been certified. A tomography study with such implants is completely safe and harmless, and it will not negatively affect the final results.

To reduce the likelihood of distortions in the presence of metals, the specialist makes appropriate adjustments to the tomograph program. Often a program such as MARS is used for these purposes. This program is intended directly to eliminate image distortions of soft tissues and bones in the area of ​​the hip joint endoprosthesis. To reduce the likelihood of distortion, the specialist must be aware that the patient has an endoprosthesis.

Is MRI contraindicated in the presence of metal plates?

If the research results are distorted, then the reason for this phenomenon does not always lie in the metal plate. If the plate is installed in the knee joint and it is planned to perform an MRI of the spine, then it will not affect the results of the study in any way. After all, the place where the plate is located is not exposed to the magnetic field, so the presence of image distortions is most likely due to the fact that the patient was not lying still during the session.

Whether it is possible to perform an MRI with metal prostheses depends on where they are located and what parts of the body are planned to be examined. Many people believe that metal in the body can become magnetized to the walls of the apparatus. In reality, if the patient actually has a metal plate installed, which has the property of being magnetic, then when exposed to a magnetic field it can simply heat up slightly and cause discomfort.

The popular question about whether it is possible to do an MRI with titanium plates has only a positive answer. The magnet does not affect titanium in any way, as well as ferromagnets, therefore MRI is allowed with such implants.

To summarize, it should be noted that MRI with a hip joint endoprosthesis is possible if it is first determined that the material of the device is manufactured in accordance with certification. In each specific case, the decision to conduct a magnetic examination is made by a specialist performing magnetic resonance imaging.

The magnetic field attracts metal objects and heats up some alloys. The presence of titanium and steel pins and endoprostheses in the body raises doubts about the possibility of performing the procedure. MRI during menstruation is prescribed carefully after assessing the indications and contraindications. General practitioners are not familiar with the capabilities of the method and often consider endoprosthetics (replacement of joints with artificial analogues) to be a contraindication to magnetic resonance examination.

The approach is irrational. You need to know the composition of the plate. They are made of titanium, metal alloys, and plastic inserts. Technological progress contributes to the creation of new models from different components. The impact of such structures with powerful magnets has not been sufficiently studied. Determining indications for magnetic resonance imaging requires studying the chemical composition of the model, density, location, and shape.

Is it possible to do an MRI with metal and titanium plates in the leg?

Obtaining MRI scans is based on recording a radiofrequency signal after exposure to a high-intensity magnetic field. Nuclear resonance of hydrogen protons allows you to obtain high-quality images. The effect operates in liquid tissues. Bones contain a low concentration of water, so it is better to examine them using computed tomography (CT).

Before scanning, you need to carefully analyze the contraindications:

  • Presence of prosthetic knee and hip joints;
  • Metal middle ear implants;
  • Pacemakers, pacemakers;
  • Vascular clips;
  • Screws, pins.

A radiation diagnostics doctor can determine whether an MRI with vascular stents can be performed on a person with plates. Analyzing the physics course, all metals can be divided into 3 types with respect to magnetization - ferromagnetic, diamagnetic, paramagnetic.

Under the influence of a strong magnetic field, alloys of nickel, cobalt, and iron move. Pins, screws, and joint prostheses are made from metals. Steel is a cheap material widely used in surgery. The manufacturer's instructions determine the quality composition of the product. The ferromagnetic content varies, so products behave differently in a magnetic field:

  1. Heat up;
  2. They are moving.

Who should not have an MRI after endoprosthetics?

Traumatologists are assigned MRI scans to dynamically monitor the condition of the product. Even 3 Tesla field tomographs will not be able to move prosthetic joints due to strong fixation. Research with high-field devices with a power of 1.5 Tesla is affordable and characterized by weaker attraction.

The second important issue that needs to be addressed is the heating of the vascular clip installed during surgery. Practical studies show an increase in the temperature of metal wire up to 45 degrees (length about 20 meters).

Having an artificial prosthesis is not a contraindication. Before prescribing, you need to exclude clips and heart rate stimulants.

You cannot do an MRI with an endoprosthesis, pins, or screws for older people. Reduced bone density contributes to poor implant fixation. Moving metal can damage surrounding surfaces.

Steel structures are ferromagnetic and can be strongly attracted. Titanium is a paramagnetic material that does not heat up and is capable of moving.

There is a metal plate in the leg - is it possible to do an MRI?

The danger of steel models is heating under the influence of a strong magnet. The likelihood of complications increases the longer the plate. Patients undergo supervised scanning. The person sits on the diagnostic table, holds a special button in his hand. When a feeling of warmth appears and a key is pressed, personnel are called and the examination is stopped.

Concentric structures such as the Illizarov apparatus pose a danger. The bulkiness and high metal content promotes heating. However, an MRI is performed while wearing the product. Concentric circles are located outside the leg and do not pose a health hazard.

Before deciding whether to do tomography of the joints after surgery, you should find out the composition of the structure. Endoprostheses are made of metal, titanium, chromium-molybdenum-cobalt alloys. The latest options do not move, they warm up. They do MRI with crowns and titanium implants.

Before scanning, you need to take an x-ray. The study will show the dimensions and number of artificial inserts (plates, prostheses, screws, screws). Even if a person has cobalt chrome endoprostheses, additional metal fragments may be a contraindication.

Attention! Magnetic resonance imaging of the area with a metal implant is not informative. The device distorts the signal. There is a lot of noise in the final tomogram.

Titanium rod - is it possible to do magnetic resonance imaging?

It is better for older people not to have an MRI with a steel or titanium plate close to the surface of the skin. People with metal inserts located near tendons should not be scanned. Heating the device will cause damage to the articular-ligamentous apparatus. Steel structures can be removed before tomography.

The titanium plate is inert with respect to the magnetic field. The absence of movement and warming up allows for MRI diagnostics without consequences. Screw-retained titanium products are sometimes removed in younger people to minimize side effects. Pensioners should be especially careful.

Contraindications to MRI of joints are determined before the procedure is performed.

Metal in the body and leg - which MRI can you undergo?

If there is metal in the leg and body, an MRI should be done after determining the composition of the alloy - titanium, chromium, molybdenum have different magnetic characteristics. The placement of the plate plays a certain role - inside the bone, near the skin.

The final decision rests with the radiologist. Bring the manufacturer's instructions for the endoprosthesis to the specialist. It is necessary to analyze the features of the surgical intervention, the quantity and quality of steel fragments.