I have shrapnel in my leg, it’s copper and brass, and I have had MRIs with no ill effects. Fucks up some CAT scans and xrays, but only if they are scanning that leg. It’s so small, though, that modern metal detectors don’t register it anymore.
If it’s magnetic resonance imaging, then if your magnetic resonance matches the MRI’s, you’ll just shatter like an opera singer breaking a crystal glass.
There actually was a guy who wore a buttplug with a metal core in an MRT. The plug shot through his body like a high velocity bullet and was stopped by his sternum. He survived with severe internal injuries and sued the company selling the plug.
People like that guy is the reason some MRIs require you to walk through a metal detector first. People are stupid and will ignore safety measures all the time.
If I’m remembering correctly, the butt plug he was using was marketed as being 100% silicone, so he figured it would be safe. He didn’t know it had a steel core in it.
I had abdominal surgery several years ago and the surgeon mentioned that they left some clips inside. To this day I have no idea if they are magnetic or not.
Apparently once the clips are fully melded with your body that may no longer be an issue. Note I am not saying it won’t be an issue.
If going for an MRI fill in the questionare and bring it up with the doctor before stepping in the MRI no matter what. Better safe than shotgunning yourself.
Thanks. I did a bit of Dr. Google research (and everything on the internet is true!).
It seems that surgical clips are usually not magnetic, but it depends on the type and year of manufacture, etc. Mine are several years old. So yeah, I would definitely bring it up if I ever need an MRI. I’m used to doctors acting annoyed and condescending, so what’s one more time?
Hopefully they don’t perform MRIs on unconscious patients. Nothing in 'Murican healthcare would surprise me.
Radiologist here. Virtually all surgical clips (in the US) are made of titanium and safe for MRI and have been for quite a few years now. We routinely scan people with clips that are decades old and don’t have issues.
We do frequently scan unconscious patients and typically that involves reviewing surgical records and prior imaging, questioning family about surgeries/implants, and frequently the techs will check the patients skin looking for any surgical scars. If there is any question we get X-rays first to look for metal.
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