MRI question

I have screws in my jaw from a surgery ten tears ago. If I have an MRI, could they move?

I highly doubt it. I don’t think the magnetism is anywhere near enough to move the screws in your jaw. But I don’t know that for sure.

The short answer is yes, it is possible they could be displaced. However, it depends on what part of the body is being scanned (if it’s a leg joint, probably not).

If you do need a scan of the head, you will have to fill out a history form, with one of the questions asking about previous surgeries. In the case of a positive history, the radiologist may have you go through a skull series to look for the position of the screws, their composition, and how likely it is that they will move. The radiologist will make the final determination whether to do the MRI.

Actually, metal flying in MRI scanner rooms happens quite frequently. Techs who actually run the machines usually wear special scrubs so they can’t have anything in pockets (because there are none). The problem comes from other people who wander in and out. Credit and ATM cards also get demagnetized from the magnets.

Robin

I doubt that the screws would move, but not because the MRI machine’s magnets aren’t powerful enough. I am fairly certain that all metal screws, pins, and plates used in the body are titanium and would not be attracted by a magnet. Magnets can only attract ferromagnetic metals and titanium isn’t one.

Nine YEARS ago, I had a TINY sliver of rusty metal penetrate my cornea. It was removed with no damage to my eyesight. Zoom ahead to late Sept. I need an MRI series on my lower spine, because of a broken vertibrae.

They refused to do it until they’d done an extremely close-up Orbital X Ray of my eye socket, to try to detect a metal fragment. THAT’S how careful they were about foreign metals in the body, especially the eye. They said it could have ripped out of my eyeball and blinded me, if still in place. ( Me, I wondered but make my living by my eyes so I figured, better just let them scare the bejeeezzus outa me.).

The X Ray was fine, and I got my MRI. Apparently they’re very cautious about ferrous metals and those machines. As for the Titanium, I have to agree. I have a bar right now, 18" by 3" by 5/8" thick. Magnets sure don’t stick to IT.

Cartoonverse

Aren’t screws kinda screwed in? It’s not like it’s a loose piece of metal that would come away if you could just get a good grip on it. I guess the whole jaw could move, which would be pretty funky.

Having worked in radiology (in the business office and in the department), I’ve learned that the radiologist will still require a clearance history form and/or a screening film to determine age, composition, and position of any possible metals. There have been a few cases of screws, prosthetic parts, and clips flying through the body because of the magnet. Mostly, it’s a case of safe than sorry. (IIRC, the above cases of flying metal came from patients with extensive surgery.)

Will they actually move, though… as I said in my previous post, it is possible (if they were stainless steel) that they could at least displace. The final decision is the radiologist’s, however. If you’re in doubt, by all means ask for a screening film.

Robin

I’m sure that the Dr told me that my hip replacement metal parts were stainless steel not titanium.
Carniverousplant has had one too.Maybe he’ll see this thread and respond.