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Updated: May 30, 2026

Protocol for the Evaluation of MRI Artifacts Caused by Metal Implants to Assess the Suitability of Implants and the Vulnerability of Pulse Sequences
Published on: May 17, 2018
How to image metal-on-metal prostheses and their complications
1Department of Radiology, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Windmill Rd, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom. simon.ostlere@noc.nhs.uk
Objective:
Metal-on-metal arthroplasty is a durable alternative to traditional metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement for young active patients. Although midterm results for resurfacing arthroplasty are reasonable, there is increasing recognition of the problem of metal-induced periprosthetic reactive masses.
Conclusion:
Imaging plays an important role in the investigation of symptomatic metal-on-metal arthroplasty. Radiographs will identify fracture and loosening, but cross-sectional imaging is required to diagnose and stage periprosthetic reactive masses.

