Are MRI Screenings Safe if You Have Metal Parts in Your Body?

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, first became available more than 40 years ago. From the beginning, it revolutionized the world of medicine. Like its predecessors, X-rays and CT scans, it's a non-invasive way to look inside the human body. Still, it provides a far more detailed picture than those previously developed technologies. In the decades since its invention, MRI has helped to diagnose and treat numerous medical conditions while also allowing for earlier detection and intervention of certain health issues. It has helped guide surgeons through countless procedures as well.

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Over time, millions of people have safely undergone MRI scans. They're effective, reliable, versatile, and painless procedures that can be extremely beneficial for patients and very helpful for doctors. Since MRI machines don't use radiation the way CT scans and X-rays do, they don't pose the same risks. If you've been told that you need an mri st george and you have metal implants, though, you may be wondering if this procedure is safe for you. That's certainly a valid question, and you'll find the answers to it here.

How Do MRIs Work?

First of all, let's take a look at how MRI works. MRI machines use radio waves and strong magnetic fields to see inside the human body. Our bodies are primarily made of water, which contains hydrogen atoms. MRI machines' magnetic fields cause those hydrogen atoms to line up. Then, the machines produce a burst of radio waves that essentially knock the hydrogen atoms out of alignment. When the radio waves stop, the atoms go back to their natural positions. As they do, they give off specific signals. MRIs use those signals to create images.

All of this may sound a bit unnerving. It's completely safe, though. Keep in mind that we're constantly exposed to magnetic fields. Our very planet is always surrounded by a magnetic field to protect us against radiation and other cosmic hazards. Besides that, electrical systems generate magnetic fields. Many of our devices and appliances do as well, including televisions, computers, phones, microwave ovens, and stoves. We generally don't even know they're there aside from a potential unsettling feeling if they're particularly strong. We're constantly exposed to radio waves as well.

Why Would Medical Implants Be a Problem in MRIs?

Of course, the interactions between metal and magnets are well known. That's where the question of whether it's safe to have an MRI scan if you have metal implants comes into play. The magnetic fields generated by MRI machines are exceptionally strong. In fact, they're about 30,000 times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. They need to be that powerful to see inside the body.

Certain concerns over the radio waves used in MRI may enter the mix as well. Some types of metal can heat up when they're exposed to strong radio waves. Both radio waves and magnetic fields can interfere with, and possibly damage, electronic devices too. At the same time, certain electronic devices and types of metal may interfere with MRI machines and the precision and accuracy of their scans.

Can MRIs Be Dangerous for People With Metal Implants?

That brings us to the issue in question: can MRIs be dangerous for people with metal implants? In some cases, the answer is yes. Certain metals that are attracted to magnets can become displaced during MRI scans. It's a rare occurrence, but it's not impossible. As mentioned, some types of metal heat up when they're exposed to radio waves. As such, implants made of those metals may potentially burn the soft tissues around them.

Beyond those problems, the radio waves and magnetic fields used in MRI may interfere with some implants. Those include pacemakers, cochlear implants, and insulin pumps. It's important to understand, though, that doctors are aware of those possible dangers. They take every possible measure to avoid them, including not performing MRI scans on patients they could harm.

Understanding Different Types of Implants and Their Safety

Remember that not all implants are the same, and not all of them react to magnetic fields and radio waves the same way. For example, metal dental fillings don't pose physical dangers during MRI scans. Metal plates, screws, and replacement joints, are also safe. They're made of titanium, which isn't magnetic. Though it may react with radio waves, it doesn't heat up to the point where it can cause internal injuries. For the most part, MRIs are also safe for people with metal clips, screws, and pins. An exception would be implants with ferrous metals, which are the ones that are attracted to magnets.

Now, let's talk about pacemakers, cochlear implants, defibrillators, and other electronic implants that contain metal. MRIs generally aren't safe for people with older models of those devices and even some newer ones. Scans can interfere with the devices and possibly cause permanent damage. Still, some new models of these devices are designed to be MRI compatible.

Are MRIs Safe for You?

MRI machines have been in use for decades now. Since they don't rely on radiation the way CT scans and X-rays do, they're considered far safer. They're also more accurate. They've helped countless patients in numerous ways from improving the accuracy of surgical procedures to allowing for early detection and treatment of serious injuries and medical conditions. Despite the many new developments to come into play in the world of medicine over time, MRI is still one of the most advanced and widely used imaging technologies.

Still the thought of being exposed to exceptionally strong magnetic fields and radio waves can be disconcerting for people with metal and electronic implants. Generally speaking, MRIs are typically safe for metal implants with the most significant danger being the implant interfering with MRI machines and the results of their scans. In the case of electronic implants, a bit more caution is recommended. MRI machines can interfere with many of those devices, especially the ones that were made before MRI-compatible technology was developed.

Overall, the benefits of MRI far outweigh the risks, even for people with metal implants in their bodies. Regardless, be sure your doctors are aware of any implants you have, and don't hesitate to remind them if they recommend having an MRI scan. Your physicians will take any measures necessary to ensure MRI poses no dangers to you.