Are MRI's possible after ADR or fusion with metal inside the body???

[Greg]

I dont know if this has been discussed before (I tried searching but didn't find anything) but my doctor didn't mention anything to me about this before my 2 level fusion and I am kind of confused. I remember getting MRI's you cant have any metal on you because of the high power magnets and I had to get an x-ray of my eyes beforehand because of all the metal work and welding I've done in the past. So if their so concerned about metal shavings hiding in my eyes is it even possible to get an MRI with the screws and hardware between my vertebraes??? The doctor used this type of wedge that sits in between my vertebraes that the screws run through, 2 up and 2 down for each level done which was 2. I've read some stuff online about some metal used in these sorts of operations wouldn't cause an issue or might distort the image but its really got me worried that I might not ever be able to get the ultimate diagnostic test done again. My sacroilliac joints have been a nightmare forever and since the fusion have gotten a lot worse and I dont know if an MRI will show anything but I would hate to be in a position of never being able to get an MRI especially on my SI joints.

Does anyone know if an MRI would be possible or have I cut myself short of this awesome resource that led me to proving my pain and ultimately getting it fixed??? Any input or thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Cindylou]

You can have a Cat Scan done Greg. I am sorry you are hurting so......

[Greg]

You can have a Cat Scan done Greg. I am sorry you are hurting so......

Isn't a Cat Scan just like an MRI??? Magnets? I know it seems to be a whole lot quicker though!

.....How are your SI joints doing from your injection? Doctor said I had to wait at least 3 months post-op before SI injection unless its absolutely necessary and I think its time. It wouldn't be so bad but I'm trying my hardest to take as little medication as possible which isnt making things easier....but even before that the SI has been going crazy. Probably from spending so much time at home "resting"

[rhatzy]

no problem with having an MRI. Althought the image will be scattered around the area where the metal is. I have had a couple of MRI's with 2 maverick discs in my back and at those levels where the ADR's are, the image is pretty much unreadable.

Mark

[Cindylou]

Greg, I am going to start a thread about my right SI joint fusion, the surgeon who did the surgery I saw 2 days ago, and the injection.....fyi.

[ajj1001]

I've had MRI's & CT's since ADR & then more since the fusion, quite difficult to read the images but you can see something. The flare is from them looks very pretty.

[runagain]

You can get either test.
The MRI is with magnets, but people with ADR can have one (as long as it is not contraindicated for another reason), but the distortion at the operative level, is like a black out, the radiologist can not read hardly anything there.
The CAT scan is computerized axial tomography. It is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer. Cross-sectional views are generated. With an ADR, there is also distortion when a CAT scan is done.
However, people with fusions, unless it is contraindicated for that particular person, can get a CAT scan.

The magnets in an MRI are extremely powerful. Greg, I would think that since your eye has liquid in it and the metal pieces are probably close to the surface that the radiologist would be concerned that your eye may be damaged if there was a metal shaving in your eye.

Anybody else want to add something?
I know with my ADR, my MRI looks kind of like a black out flare at that level.
With my recent CT, the operative level looks like a bright light. Not much distinguishable.

R

[Keano16]

Most of fusions are MRI compatible because most doctors use titanium, peek or carbon hardware.

[Katie]

I don't understand....if the magnets are that powerful, why are doctors not worried about the ADR or fusion materials being affected? Especially if they are not 'solid' yet, early in the recovery stages.

PEEK cages have small metal pins in them, used as markers I believe so that they can identify the placement of the devices. I was told not to worry about them either.

And if there is just flaring, how can the images be of any use, in regard to placement, etc? It would interfere with the minute measuring needed to see if anything moved, wouldn't it?

[Hooch]

I dunno if they'd be strong enough to move a cage or disc. Next time I'll leave my belt on and see what happens

Greg, keep your chin up mate, it's a long road managing these injuries.