I’m suppose to have an MRI of my lower back. My neuro asked if I could have it done since I’ve had hip replacements. I told him I didn’t know. Anyways he’s going to schedule it.
My question is can I have it done after 2 hip replacements? One being just 12 weeks ago. Does it depend what kind of implant it is?
I’ve read that sometimes they can bypass the implant. Also read you need to remove any metal ur wearing such as jewelry.
I just read an article in which a man walked into a MRI room carrying an oxygen tank and was sucked to the machine because the machine was on. He was told it was off.
This put a scare in me as I don’t recall if they have ever asked in the past if I’m wearing any type of metal. I had an MRI done several years ago.
As an MRI scanner uses a huge magnet I would think that they need to know if you have a metal implant so they could protect it if needed. There must be ways around it and the radiographers will know and won’t put you at risk xx
There are so many misnomers and fairy tales about MRI’s. I’ve had a bunch and my neurosurgeon just ordered more of my back. On the order sheets it has a place to note prosthetic devices. You also should be asked about them just before the test. If they don’t ask you, tell them anywayI already have metal in my neck and have had three cervical MRI’s without a problem. I don’t know what they do but the MRI is a specific tool for specific areas.
Hi Dsilk05, I'm astonished that your Neuro asked you the question ! He's the doctor, shouldn't he know or find out for you?! You will need to discuss your own situation with your MRI staff I suppose, since your Neuro didn't know which I think is strange. I had a THR in August 2017 and I'm scheduled for an MRI of my spine soon. I was concerned too about stories I'd heard about MRI's and people with metal implants. The scheduling people asked me about metal and I said YES I definitely do have metal, I had a THR with metal. They asked me when I had it done and so on. They said it would be fine, and that I should remind the MRI people at the time, which I definitely will !!! I am assuming that it's okay as long as they know the situation. It better be okay , I have to trust them !! Ask your questions and get reassurance for your own situation.
You can certainly have it done. I just had an MRI of the lumbar spine. I only have one hip replaced, but it was no problem. I can't imagine why any neuro would not know this, however, so that is a bit alarming. Where/when did he or she train? I would consider another doctor!
PS: as you know, don't believe everything you read! It would be ridiculous for any MRI facility to leave the machine on when not being used, and that makes no sense whatsoever.
You do have to remove jewelry, etc,, but it is not dangerous to you if they know you had a THR.
Wow, some got into an uproar over this. It is not the Doctor’s job to tell you how the MRI is done, it is that of the technician. Your MD orders the testándolo reads the results.
I'll be interested in following this thread and further research on the subject. Magnets are after all attracted to iron but not to non ferrous metals. My understanding is that most prosthesis are constructed of different alloys- cobalt, titanium and I don't know what level of iron is involved. Curious now.
Hi Ducksoup, while it's true it's not the job of the Doctor to know how ithe MRI is done, don't you think he should know whether or not a person who's had a joint replacement can have an MRI?? I certainly do ! This should be basic knowledge for a medical professional, particularly for a specialist in the field of Neurology.
OK- a fast google search indicated non-ferrous metals and ceramics are unaffected by MRIs and hip patients are good to go. It cautioned that imaging done close to a hip prosthesis may be distorted however. Heart valves are a precaution as well.
Of course but why bother the MD with those issues when the technician is the expert. Physicians are knowledgable of the MRI facets but are not trained in the ins and outs of the procedure. For example, I was a practicing psychologist, but knew much more about psychotherapy than many of the psychiatrists who worked for me. They are not trained much in that area. Very few psychiatrists I ever worked with could do psychotherapy or even wanted to but everyone assumed their psychiatrist was Dr. Freud.
I agree that the the neuro does not need to be an expert on MRI. But it seems odd that he does not know if it is possible with a THR. Margot's point is well taken, even my PCP knows this. I personally would be upset if I were sent for a test, made the appointment, then went there only to have the technician tell me I was not eligible. Sounds like in this case, he ordered it without knowing the answer. Not trying to be annoying, just think it is odd.
All doctor’s know this but she should just simply ask the MD what he meant to avoid the possibility of taking this out of context first, then fry his ass if he really didn’t know.
That my dear is total nonsense in our times. Your doctor would never schedule an MRI if your implant was the "wrong" metal. Check back with your surgeon to be sure
I would agree simply asking the MD is the most rational and straightforward way to avoid a misunderstanding. However as most of us put so much trust in medical professionals, oftentimes misplaced, it makes firing them emotionally more difficult. And explaining the past malfeasance of one doctor to another is a sticky proposal in such a close knit community. There's also the long standing question not yet answered by science: olive oil, butter or lard. The question returns us to a basic proposition that a well informed patient who acts as their own strong advocate makes the best patient.