Many years ago I broke my radius and ulna and got a metal plate put in. It doesn't bother me at all but I realize that I can't ever have an MRI while it's there. Before my arm was broken I'd had around 10 MRIs for some problems I had. I worry that one day I'll really need an MRI and be unable to get one because of this metal plate. Should I get this removed? Or is that too much trouble? Or is it not even possible now because it's been in for 10 years and it's too entwined with my arm bone?
Tammy B2011-03-21T18:52:37Z
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MRI is not a reason to get the plate removed. Orthopedic plates are titanium and are not attracted to the magnet. I am a MRI technologist and personally have a radial head plate and tibia nail( a rod with screws that runs from my knee to ankle). The only time a plate in the the arm would be a issue is if we want to scan that specific area which is rather unlikely to occur. You can get you plates removed, but my concern and the reason that I haven't is that I don't want additional scarring or the recovery time.
RE: Can I have the metal plate in my forearm removed? Many years ago I broke my radius and ulna and got a metal plate put in. It doesn't bother me at all but I realize that I can't ever have an MRI while it's there. Before my arm was broken I'd had around 10 MRIs for some problems I had. I worry that one day I'll really need an MRI...
Interesting question, I have a plate and 6 screws in my neck and they were able to do an MRI and CAT SCAN on my head and neck in November 2010. They said in 2005 when I had it done from C1-C7 they were using Titanium. Which they can use an MRI with. Have you spoke to your doctor about the situation.? If you had it a long time ago you may be very on target, but if it has been in the last 10 yrs you maybe okay. One way they told me I could tell was-do you set off metal detectors?? I also have a very narrow wire in my jaw from like 15 yrs ago and they put a shield there when they do MRI's.. God Bless
I actually have a similar situation. I broke my radius and ulna and got a metal plate a few years ago. It also doesn't bother me, but it's become a part of me. I even have a long scar going down my right arm. In my case, I cannot have mine removed because of the screws that are drilled in to the bone for support. I hope you can get yours removed and I hope everything turns out well!