Metal worker needs MRI

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I have a metal worker with severe radiculopathy. Has undergone CT, EMG and is being told by both neuro and ortho that he needs an MRI.

Ortho apparently told him that he could undergo a simple eye exam and that this would be sufficient for clearing him for MRI, but it's up to me to order it. Does anyone have experience with this and can recommend how I go about evaluating him for MRI safety? I've looked around but can't find a good guideline.

thanks

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

When I worked in the ED, we did a CT of the orbits prior to any MRI in similar situations

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Thanks. What about metal embedded in skin? Is that a concern?

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Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.
When I worked in the ED, we did a CT of the orbits prior to any MRI in similar situations

We did the same in the ED. Just a CT of the orbits.

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Specializes in ED, OR, Oncology.

I've seen both CT orbits, and plain films. If there's any question, I'd ask the radiologist. As a hobbyist metal worker, this has been asked both times I've needed an MRI by the tech just prior to the MRI. When I answered that yes, I do work around metal shavings, they shot some plain films just before the MRI. I would guess those are protocol ordered under the Radiologist's name, and stat read before MRI.

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We order plain orbital films, not CT.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I have a metal worker with severe radiculopathy. Has undergone CT, EMG and is being told by both neuro and ortho that he needs an MRI.

Ortho apparently told him that he could undergo a simple eye exam and that this would be sufficient for clearing him for MRI, but it's up to me to order it. Does anyone have experience with this and can recommend how I go about evaluating him for MRI safety? I've looked around but can't find a good guideline.

thanks

Not a metal worker, but I've had a very uncomfortable ER visit in the past when I had metal fragments in my eyes. My PCP ordered an X-ray to clear me for MRI. I have no research to cite, only my own experience. The X-ray showed no metal fragments, and I went on to have the MRI. (Several of them, actually.)

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All very helpful, thanks.

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