Any Radiologists/MRI specialists?

[ParkyRunner]

I had facial surgery age 17 in 1997, needed 6 plates across the bones in upper and lower jaw. All fine. Now, many years later, I need to have an MRI. To confirm the material type used for the plates I requested my original surgical notes. Got a copy and no sticker placed to say what type of fixation was used. So we can’t confirm it.

Is there any other way I can confirm if I’m safe to have an MRI?

I found the surgeon on linked in and sent a message asking if there was any information he may be able to give me. No reply. He only has 5 contacts so not sure it’s an active account.

Can have CT instead but only via consultant and wait has already been months.

I’m stuck. Is there any other way I can solve this?

Only partly joking...could you run a magnet over your face?!

What was the surgery for? We don’t check any passive orthopaedic implants - they are all considered safe to scan. If the MRI department has asked what it is then it suggests they think it’s not a normal orthopaedic implant ie it has an electronic or magnetic component.

@ParkyRunner Was this maxillofacial surgery? It sounds like it could be. I had a bimax osteotomy over 20 years ago at 17 (both jaws moved and screws and plates used to fix them). I had an MRI just before Christmas and had no problems at all. I believe my plates and screws are titanium - I never set off airport security either 😉

Most likely yours will be the same and won't impact the MRI at all x

It was bimax osteotomy for an under bite.
It wasn’t the MRI dept that asked, I wanted to check so asked for a copy of my notes. Which then highlighted that it didn’t say the material and has caused this issue. (So totally of my own making, I’m cautious and wanted to check but wish I hadn’t thought to ask).

That’s really good to know about passive implants. Do you think this been the case for those used since late 90’s?

Wow yes that’s exactly the same! I’ve never met (virtually) anyone else who’s ever had it done.

that’s good that you had an mri, did they ask you about the plates at all?

@ParkyRunner They asked me about previous surgery and implants, so I flagged it then. The MRI I had was actually focused on my abdomen (fetal MRI imaging) so my jaw didn't show up anyway in the end.

Yes, it seems to be a really rare procedure. I always get excited when I find someone else who's had it! Can't say it was an easy experience at the time, but if I were to go back in time I would do it all again. Genuinely life changing 😊

Just updating incase anyone else ever has the same (admittedly rather niche) question!

So my shoulder consultant was really keen for the MRI and said it would be fine, so I just went for it. And it was absolutely fine, big relief.