Are titanium implants actually safe for magnetic resonance imaging examinations?

Title	Are titanium implants actually safe for magnetic resonance imaging examinations?
Authors	Yong-Ha Kim, Manki Choi, Jae-Won Kim
Magazine	Archives of Plastic Surgery
Date	01/15/2019
DOI	10.5999/aps.2018.01466
Introduction	Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a crucial diagnostic tool for musculoskeletal and cerebrovascular imaging due to its enhanced soft tissue contrast and absence of radiation exposure. Despite its advantages, MRI presents risks when metal implants are present, as they can interact with the magnetic field. The use of titanium in craniofacial surgery has increased significantly, with titanium becoming the preferred material for implants. However, concerns persist regarding the safety of titanium implants during MRI scans, particularly as MRI usage rises in elderly patients with cerebrovascular conditions. This article examines MRI's mechanism, its interaction with metals, especially titanium, and the associated safety concerns. MRI relies on magnetisation, resonance, and relaxation processes, primarily utilising hydrogen atoms in the body. Metals' magnetic properties can be classified as ferromagnetic, diamagnetic, or paramagnetic, with titanium categorised as paramagnetic. While most studies confirm the safety of nonferromagnetic implants in MRI, potential risks include implant migration and RF-induced heating. Advances in technology aim to reduce image distortion caused by implants. Overall, titanium implants pose a low risk and are considered safe in MRI applications, although further research on titanium alloys is necessary.
Quote	Yong-Ha Kim, Manki Choi and Jae-Won Kim. Are titanium implants actually safe for magnetic resonance imaging examinations? Arch Plast Surg. 2019. DOI: 10.5999/aps.2018.01466
Element	Titanium (Ti)
Topics	Biomedical Materials
Industry	Medical Devices