I assume you mean the MRI? Its Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Simply put it uses a large powerful magnet in order to obtain the images. Unfortunately the field it generates isn't specific so any metal in any part of the body is going to be an issue regardless of desired area to be examined. Hospitals usually have a questionnaire to screen patients in or out before they go through the checkpoints that make sure staff and patients have none on them.

 

Joker, with due respect, sorry, incorrect. I've been employed in diagnostic imaging, specifically MR, (or MRI as some prefer), for the past..., let's just say many years.

Having read the OP's statement you need to have an MR.

Go get a second opinion on the metal in your ankle preventing you from having an MR of your head or c-spine. Hell, I'll just say it- this is flat out INCORRECT. People with metal in their bodies are imaged in MR every day, even as I type this undoubtedly. Unless they were imaging your ankle, it's a non-issue.

As an FYI, the concern of metal in the body is due to ferrous properties of some metals. Metals with ferrous properties may cause heating effects through RF deposition, or, in the case of ferrous metal in the eyes, torque. People with complete prosthesis are imaged everyday in MR. Just trying to help.


Good luck.

 

[QUOTE=Sogno,Dec 6 2009, 08:38 AM]
Joker, with due respect, sorry, incorrect. I've been employed in diagnostic imaging, specifically MR, (or MRI as some prefer), for the past..., let's just say many years.

Having read the OP's statement
you need to have an MR.

Go get a second opinion on the metal in your ankle preventing you from having an MR of your head or c-spine. Hell, I'll just say it- this is flat out INCORRECT. People with metal in their bodies are imaged in MR every day, even as I type this undoubtedly. Unless they were imaging your ankle, it's a non-issue.

As an FYI, the concern of metal in the body is due to ferrous properties of some metals. Metals with ferrous properties may cause heating effects through RF deposition, or, in the case of ferrous metal in the eyes, torque. People with complete prosthesis are imaged everyday in MR. Just trying to help.

 

Get some omega-3 pills, curious to see if they help at all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docosahexaenoic_acid

 

I wanted to double check with my 'Reference Manual for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants, and Devices' manual I keep at the office. My original response was correct.

Bottom line, there are no orthopedic implants or materials evaluated for MR safety that contraindicate MR at 1.5T or 3.0T. (1.5T & 3.0T are the typical high-field MRI systems out there. There are, of course, MR systems with lower magnetic fields, but I wanted to assure you we are looking at the more powerful systems, not weaker).

There was only one exception, and it really isn't an exception. It is the Perfix interference screw used for reconstruction of the ACL(knee). This particular screw has ferromagnetic properties. Since the OP stated ankle, this is a non-issue. More so, from Dr. Shellock's Manual "..because this interference screw is firmly imbedded in bone for its specific application, it is held in place with sufficient retentive forces to prevent movement or dislodgement."

OP, the physician that told you you couldn't have an MR because of surgical metal in your ankle was wrong. Now, you didn't mention surgical metal, but you did mention the military as being responsilbe, so I'm assuming this is from a surgical procedure. You need to talk with another physician, and given your stated symptoms, I wouldn't wait if I were you. Not trying to scare you, just trying to help you.

Last, Raj, since this topic was directed to you specifically, I hope you dont mind that I interjected here. Any comments?

Good luck.

 

Shellock is cool. He made gelatin molds and put various implants in them... then put them in an MRI to see if they moved or heated.

 

I appreciate your input. I know far less about MR than you.

I'm sure beanseff appreciates it too.

Now if only ckit would provide some useful input.

 

CKit recommends fitting a racelogic traction control system.

 

Mike, your inbox is full.

 

i don't have MS but i do have to see a neurologist because it's not getting any better and my doctor doesn't know whats wrong