The effects of magnetic resonance imaging on surgical staples: an experimental analysis
J Christopher Gayton1, Paul Sensiba, Brian F Imbrogno
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Miami Valley Hospital, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45409, USA. athenscg@yahoo.com
Background:
Surgical staples are commonplace in repairing surgical incisions. Staples allow for expeditious closure and removal compared with suture materials. However, there are clinical concerns when obtaining a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with staples present. This study examined two issues related to MRI scanning in the presence of surgical staples: skin surface temperature change and staple displacement.
Methods:
Thirty pig feet had 3-cm surgical incisions repaired with five surgical staples. Once placed, each skin staple position was marked for later referencing. A surface temperature laser device recorded prescan skin surface temperature. A 35-minute MRI scan was performed with a 1.5-Tesla magnet and standard knee coil for each pig foot. Immediately afterward, the skin surface temperature and displacement measurements were recorded. The paired t test was used to analyze temperature change from prescan to postscan.
Results:
The prescan mean temperature was 16.45°C (standard deviation: 0.70°C), and the range was 14.60°C to 18.20°C. After scanning, the mean temperature was 16.02°C (standard deviation: 0.63°C), and the range was 15.00°C to 17.60°C. The decrease of 0.43°C in skin surface temperature was statistically significant (p=0.001). No change in staple position was measurable or evident by visual inspection for any of the pig feet.
Conclusion:
This study found no increase in skin surface temperature or displacement of staple position after a standard extremity MRI scan. Based on our findings, MRI scanning in the presence of stainless steel surgical staples seems safe.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are safe with surgical staples. This study found no significant skin temperature increase or staple displacement after a standard MRI, indicating safety for patients with surgical staples.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Surgical staples are widely used for wound closure, offering advantages over sutures.
- Clinical concerns exist regarding the safety of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with surgical staples.
- This study investigated potential risks associated with MRI scans in the presence of surgical staples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate skin surface temperature changes after MRI in the presence of surgical staples.
- To assess the potential for surgical staple displacement during MRI scans.
- To determine the overall safety of undergoing MRI with surgical staples.
Main Methods:
- Thirty pig feet with surgical incisions repaired by staples underwent a 35-minute, 1.5-Tesla MRI scan.
- Skin surface temperature was measured before and after the MRI using a laser device.
- Staple positions were marked and visually inspected for displacement post-scan.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in mean skin surface temperature of 0.43°C was observed (p=0.001).
- No measurable or visually evident displacement of surgical staples occurred in any specimen.
- The observed temperature change was minimal and did not indicate a safety concern.
Conclusions:
- MRI scanning in the presence of stainless steel surgical staples does not lead to increased skin temperature.
- Surgical staples remained in their original positions without displacement after a standard extremity MRI.
- The findings suggest that MRI is safe for patients with surgical staples.
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