[bvw]

Good one!

[19th LA Inf]

I guess I am a walking disaster. I have wire in one collarbone from 1945 (doc long since dead, nobody knows what kind of wire), metal plate with what look like self-tapping sheet metal screws in one arm near shoulder, circa 1987, and two rods in forearm bones of same arm. Also, implanted real magnets in a couple of teeth to hold denture in place. I was getting a CT scan for my back a couple of years ago and I specifically asked about what we are discussing here in case an MRI was indicated. The tech seemed to be more concerned about the tiny magnets than the larger masses of metal. I don't plan to test the theories.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

I have metallic dental work and took a beautiful MRI. In fact I'm offering autographed copies. The MRI shows I'm all heart!

[Hildy]

I believe You can have an MRI on your head/brain even if you have metal in your body. My Mom has a metal pin keeping her hip in place, but that didn't stop them from doing an MRI a few weeks ago.

[bert]

Looks like red meat for you to dessiminate

[aruanan]

Maybe he doesn't have the shrapnel in his "thigh" any longer. I know that an MRI machine can pull an oxygen tank across the room. I've read of a cop's gun getting pulled out of the holster and firing. MRI isn't supposed to have much of an effect on non-ferrous metals such as titanium or dental fillings, though. However, certain dark tattoo inks contain metal and can get heated to burning hot by an MRI.

[rintense]

Not really. I had an MRI on my shoulder and only my upper torso was in the MI machine. I had my belly button piercing in while the procedure was going on.

[Mercat]

If it's lead, they would have taken it out long ago because it would leach into the blood and cause lead poisoning. Generally it's my understanding that they only leave stuff in if removing it would damage a vital organ. Can't think of any vital organs in the butt.