MRI scan with metal plates & screws
Discussion
I have an appointmnt for an MRI scan at the end of the month.
The scan will be specifically on my pelvis area (my "tail end" is the point of interest).
Following an accident in 2011, I have a significant amount of metal in me but all below the knee and in one elbow.

I was told by my orthopaedic consultant that all the metal was stainless 316 ... so austenitic and hence, in theory, non-magnetic?
When my arse surgeon told me about the MRI I did flag this up but I think he reckoned me to be a dolt and just muttered something and walked off.
Anything to worry about?
Given they want to concentrate on the pelvis region, perhaps all my metal is sufficiently far away and it's academic.
I just don't understand how the machines work and I imagine being inside a tunnel of very strong magnets and I also believe that you can never say hand on heart that stainless is 100% non ferromagnetic.
There is a help line I can call but I'm fairly confident I'll end up speaking to someone who hasn't a clue what I'm on about - hence the decision to ask on PH.
Thanks,
Eric
The scan will be specifically on my pelvis area (my "tail end" is the point of interest).
Following an accident in 2011, I have a significant amount of metal in me but all below the knee and in one elbow.

I was told by my orthopaedic consultant that all the metal was stainless 316 ... so austenitic and hence, in theory, non-magnetic?
When my arse surgeon told me about the MRI I did flag this up but I think he reckoned me to be a dolt and just muttered something and walked off.
Anything to worry about?
Given they want to concentrate on the pelvis region, perhaps all my metal is sufficiently far away and it's academic.
I just don't understand how the machines work and I imagine being inside a tunnel of very strong magnets and I also believe that you can never say hand on heart that stainless is 100% non ferromagnetic.
There is a help line I can call but I'm fairly confident I'll end up speaking to someone who hasn't a clue what I'm on about - hence the decision to ask on PH.
Thanks,
Eric

Edited by Kiltie on Friday 5th July 12:00
Im 99% certain that they will have thought of this before putting all the metal in you.
If you are in any doubt though go and find the strongest magnet you can a rub it over your elbow and leg. If you crumple in excruciating pain with a few screws poking out, the metal is magnetic. if you feel nothing you will be fine.
its more the fillings in your teeth you should be worried about.
If you are in any doubt though go and find the strongest magnet you can a rub it over your elbow and leg. If you crumple in excruciating pain with a few screws poking out, the metal is magnetic. if you feel nothing you will be fine.
its more the fillings in your teeth you should be worried about.

I can confirm the magnets in these things are really strong !
Years ago when i was on the tools i had to go and fix the trailer a portable one was on it.
Im under the trailer changing a valve which was a bit of a mere to get at + fecking magnets pulling my spanners etc all over the show. Litrally trying to rip big 27mm 22mm spanners out of my hands.
If anyone had seen me i must of looked like id dropped a load of pills at a rave. Arms flying all over the show trying to control what happend with my spannes lol
Was quite funny and a challenge at first but feck me what a job that was
Years ago when i was on the tools i had to go and fix the trailer a portable one was on it.
Im under the trailer changing a valve which was a bit of a mere to get at + fecking magnets pulling my spanners etc all over the show. Litrally trying to rip big 27mm 22mm spanners out of my hands.
If anyone had seen me i must of looked like id dropped a load of pills at a rave. Arms flying all over the show trying to control what happend with my spannes lol
Was quite funny and a challenge at first but feck me what a job that was
The strength will be 1.5 tesla, much much stronger than most home use magnets.
Ring the MRI team, or write. Your plates may be titanium or 316L steel.
You've got a lot of metal in there, it's a tricky one. The field may pull you limbs toward the middle.
Talk to the MRI radiographers if you can, but be warned they are the most hard pressed people in the building.
You're right about non austeniticism though.
Ring the MRI team, or write. Your plates may be titanium or 316L steel.
You've got a lot of metal in there, it's a tricky one. The field may pull you limbs toward the middle.
Talk to the MRI radiographers if you can, but be warned they are the most hard pressed people in the building.
You're right about non austeniticism though.
Edited by The_Doc on Friday 5th July 20:50
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=7g5UVrOt2CI&des...
Find out what the implants are, tell them, you will be fine
Find out what the implants are, tell them, you will be fine
theshrew said:
I can confirm the magnets in these things are really strong !
Years ago when i was on the tools i had to go and fix the trailer a portable one was on it.
Im under the trailer changing a valve which was a bit of a mere to get at + fecking magnets pulling my spanners etc all over the show. Litrally trying to rip big 27mm 22mm spanners out of my hands.
If anyone had seen me i must of looked like id dropped a load of pills at a rave. Arms flying all over the show trying to control what happend with my spannes lol
Was quite funny and a challenge at first but feck me what a job that was
They are rather strong, I worked with. 3.2 tesla one and was wearing shoes with metal eyelets for the laces one day. I was just casually walking along by the magnet and it pulled my foot towards it, nearly knocking me over. I spent a bit of time sticking my head in and out of the bore and could taste metallic tastes in my mouth for a week afterwards. Years ago when i was on the tools i had to go and fix the trailer a portable one was on it.
Im under the trailer changing a valve which was a bit of a mere to get at + fecking magnets pulling my spanners etc all over the show. Litrally trying to rip big 27mm 22mm spanners out of my hands.
If anyone had seen me i must of looked like id dropped a load of pills at a rave. Arms flying all over the show trying to control what happend with my spannes lol
Was quite funny and a challenge at first but feck me what a job that was
Here's an example with a spanner for you http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=relmfu&v=6B...
Edited by RealSquirrels on Friday 5th July 20:59
like someone else said, get a magnet and rub it over your leg, I wouldnt get the strongest you can find as I recon that might hurt.
but something like those U shaped Red U and silver/black tipped ones might do.
if it sticks to your leg then its magnetic.
might smart a bit mind. dont really know if it does but would assume it would.
but something like those U shaped Red U and silver/black tipped ones might do.
if it sticks to your leg then its magnetic.
might smart a bit mind. dont really know if it does but would assume it would.
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