Patient with metal implants are considered a contra-indication for MR imaging primarily because of the potential hazards associated with their movement, heat production and artifact.
To find out whether MR imaging is safe in patient with prosthesis, or can be safe, we evaluated the movement, heat production and artifact. 4 prosthesis (three hip prosthesis, one knee prosthesis) are selected for this study. MR unit was used 0.5T, 1.5T and 2.35T. T1 weighted and T2* weighted MR imaging was performed. To evaluate the movement, we measured deflection forces at the portal of the magnet of each MR unit. And we measured the change of temperature at the prosthesis surface by using an electrical thermomenter. We also studied the artifact which caused by the influence of prosthesis.
These results showed patients with prosthesis can be safely and usefuly imaged with MR imaging.
