[MattJargin]

just got back from my scan - everything went fine (well, apart from the fact I was stuck in a small space for 15mins whilst being subjected to amy bloody winehouse. )

Not going to get my results until my next appointment with the specialist on the 14th august though, which is quit a long time to wait I think.

[stutnerman]

just got back from my scan - everything went fine (well, apart from the fact I was stuck in a small space for 15mins whilst being subjected to amy bloody winehouse. )

Not going to get my results until my next appointment with the specialist on the 14th august though, which is quit a long time to wait I think.

So how's the little chest alien, did it pop out lol. Glad to hear it went OK.

[MattJargin]

I have to go for an MRI scan on Saturday, as my back is still in a really bad state.

Trouble is I have metal staples in my breastbone, from surgery as a kid. I was always of the understanding that if you have any metal in you, then you can't got in an MRI machine - as it'll basically turn into a low-budget remake of Aliens.

Now suddenly my doctors are turning round and saying that I can have an MRI, even taking into account the staples in my chest.

Obviously at the point they fire up the machine with me in it, it will be a little bit too late to go back - so I'm a bit worried about all this.....

[Xavier_Spinner_Wheels]

I also believe it can't be done

Jewelry and other accessories should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the MRI scan. Because they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit, metal and electronic objects are not allowed in the exam room. These items include:

• jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged.
• pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort MRI images.
• removable dental work.
• pens, pocketknives and eyeglasses.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info...=bodymr&bhcp=1

I also have metal in my body, ankle tho...

[MattJargin]

If its just that they might interfere with the image, then thats fine, as the staples are in my chest and its my lower back they need to see.

My main concern is if the metal staples will try to come out, due to the force of the magnet, - that would obviously be bad!

[CaseyFronczek]

In general, metal objects used in orthopedic surgery pose no risk during MRI. However, a recently placed artificial joint may require the use of another imaging procedure. If there is any question of their presence, an x-ray may be taken to detect the presence of any metal objects.

Sheet metal workers and others who might have metal objects such as shrapnel in their bodies may also require an x-ray prior to an MRI. Dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during MRI, but this is rarely a problem. Tooth fillings and braces usually are not affected by the magnetic field but they may distort images of the facial area or brain, so the radiologist should be aware of them. You appear to be safe.

[buchmausar]

If it goes wrong, console yourself with the lawsuit you can bring against them - if it goes REALLY wrong, think about the lawsuit your GF/wife can bring.

Seriously, though, I'd want to talk to a couple of the operators/technicians as they'd have a good idea of what may be acceptable - not sure I'd be happy either, TBH.

[Drugmachine]

If its just that they might interfere with the image, then thats fine, as the staples are in my chest and its my lower back they need to see.

My main concern is if the metal staples will try to come out, due to the force of the magnet, - that would obviously be bad!

Aren't those staples made from a titanium alloy? Those metal alloys are not magnetic thus they won't cause any damage.

[eladiopsislab]

I wouldn't worry about it. Your doctor wouldn't have sent you if he didn't think it was ok.

[steansathtpos]

I have screws in my knee, and had another MRI done on it. I'm sure you will be fine.

[MattJargin]

Cheers chaps, you have reassured me somewhat. Obviously I'll have a chat with the operator before the scan - but like you said, I would not have been referred for a scan unless they were totally sure it would be safe for me.

Normally people hope that scans DON'T show something - but I really hope this one does, as I need to know what is wrong. I've been in almost constant pain for the last 2 months - and constantly backwards and forwards on my recovery. One wrong turn or move, and I put my recovery back by weeks (as I did 3 days ago ).

[provigil]

I have an MRI scan myself in a couple of weeks, for an investigation into my epilepsy. I have to have an eye x-ray on my eyes as I've had metal in them before.

I was meant to have this scan about a month 1/2 ago, but they refused to do it because of the possibility of metal in my eye, which will be ripped out if there is any present I felt guilty for a couple of days afterward, thinking I wasted resources etc.. You should be fine though, as said, the staples are probably titanium which is not magnetic.

Btw, hope you get your back sorted...Back problems are **** especially if they can't diagnose why.

[chppjdf]

Aren't those staples made from a titanium alloy? Those metal alloys are not magnetic thus they won't cause any damage.

yeah, it all depends on what they're made of. I had a back reconstruction (fusion) and have 3 levels of titanium, and I have MRI's a couple of times a year. I was definately a little gunshy though the first time. Even though they said there was no risk, my head was filled with the possibility of metal being ripped from my spine onto an mri magnet.

[cQT6nmEc]

Its been a while since I've studied anything about metals/minerals, but aren't some metals more susceptible to magnets / magnetic fields?

Would make sense that the staples are made of some alloy that's probably safe for an MRI machine.

This is probably a question for Neeyik tho. :P

Note to self: Read entire thread first.

[Drugmachine]

Cheers chaps, you have reassured me somewhat. Obviously I'll have a chat with the operator before the scan - but like you said, I would not have been referred for a scan unless they were totally sure it would be safe for me.

Normally people hope that scans DON'T show something - but I really hope this one does, as I need to know what is wrong. I've been in almost constant pain for the last 2 months - and constantly backwards and forwards on my recovery. One wrong turn or move, and I put my recovery back by weeks (as I did 3 days ago ).

If a doctor can't see anything on the MRI scan, than ask for a second opinion. MRI's are very sensitive but in the end it is the human eye who looks at it and judges about what he/she sees.

Hopefully you'll find out what may be the cause of your backpains. Good luck Chris.

[Scukonah]

In most cases, surgical staples, clips, plates, pins, and screws pose no risk during MRI if they have been in place for more than 4 to 6 weeks. http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Pat...ctionalmri.htm

In all honesty, if they were to be ripped out, what damage could they really cause you?


And when did you have them put in, the first titanium staples used in humans was in 1981.

[Nemerov]

I wouldn't worry about it. Your doctor wouldn't have sent you if he didn't think it was ok.

Indeed, because doctors never make mistakes, cut corners or take any sort of slapdash approach with their patients... ever. Chris will be fine.

[eladiopsislab]

Indeed, because doctors never make mistakes, cut corners or take any sort of slapdash approach with their patients... ever. Chris will be fine.

I can't see a doctor making that kind of mistake, unless he/she was completely incompetent.

[Xavier_Spinner_Wheels]

I can't see a doctor making that kind of mistake, unless he/she was completely incompetent.

Well keep in mind... Chris is in Holland.

[eladiopsislab]

Well keep in mind... Chris is in Holland.

Is there a problem with doctors in Holland?