Metallic neurosurgical implants for cranial reconstruction and fixation: assessment of magnetic field interactions, heating and artefacts at 3.0 Tesla

The objective of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility of metallic neurosurgical implants commonly used for cranial reconstruction and fixation, in association with a 3.0 Tesla (T) MR system. Ten metallic neurosurgical implants used for cranioplasty operations were evaluated. The implants were tested ex vivo for magnetic field interactions ( translational attraction and torque), heating ( using saline and gel phantoms), and artefact production [ using dual echo spin echo (DSE) and gradient echo (GRE) sequences] at 3.0 Tesla. None of the implants displayed translational attraction or torque, and heating was physiologically insignificant ( maximal temperature elevation was 0.5 degrees C). MR artefacts were minimal with spin echo sequences; gradient echo sequences produced much larger artefacts. The neurosurgical implants evaluated in this study should not present a risk to patients undergoing MRI in the 3.0 T MR system. Although the implants do produce susceptibility artefacts, especially with gradient echo sequences, useful imaging should still be possible.