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Updated: May 29, 2026
08:19
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
Managing postoperative artifacts on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Kenneth A Buckwalter1, Chen Lin, Jason M Ford
1Department of Radiology, Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. kbuckwal@iupui.edu
Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Orthopedic hardware does not prevent CT or MR imaging. Adjusting scan techniques and reconstruction methods can minimize imaging artifacts caused by metallic implants.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Orthopedic hardware is frequently encountered in patients undergoing medical imaging.
- Image artifacts from orthopedic implants can compromise diagnostic accuracy.
- Understanding artifact generation is crucial for effective imaging protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of orthopedic hardware on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
- To identify factors influencing the severity of imaging artifacts.
- To provide recommendations for minimizing these artifacts.
Main Methods:
- Review of factors affecting CT and MR image artifacts related to orthopedic hardware.
- Comparison of artifact severity across different hardware alloys (cobalt chrome, stainless steel, titanium).
- Analysis of artifact generation based on hardware geometry (e.g., fixation plates vs. intramedullary nails).
Main Results:
- Titanium hardware produces fewer artifacts than cobalt chrome or stainless steel.
- Artifacts are most pronounced adjacent to the implant.
- CT artifacts manifest as streaks; MR artifacts stem from magnetic susceptibility and eddy currents.
- Specific CT and MR imaging parameters can mitigate artifact severity.
Conclusions:
- Orthopedic hardware is not an absolute contraindication for CT or MR imaging.
- Artifacts can be minimized through careful selection of imaging parameters and reconstruction techniques.
- Optimized imaging protocols enhance diagnostic confidence in patients with orthopedic implants.
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