Can you still get a MRI with an artifical disc

[Jim M2]

I forgot to mention that a CT does a pretty good job of imaging around the artificial disc.

[mmglobal]

There are multiple issues with metal and MRI's. If you have some kinds of spinal cord stimulators, you can't have MRI because of the potential for the magnet to move the leads, potentially damaging the spinal cord.

Another issue, as mentioned above is the artifact or distortion. MRI is magnetic resonance imaging. Metal distorts the image generated by MRI. Unless there are other issues (like spinal cord stimulator leads) you may have MRI with ADR's. However, the image near the adr will be completely blown out. CT scans will also be blown out around the ADR. When Jim was saying that CT is better, he was probably thinking about the post myelogram xrays. Myelogram usually includes a post-myelogram CT.

I have seen MRI's in a patient without any metal implants, following a simple endoscopic discectomy. They may have substantial artifact from microscopic metal particles left behind by the tools used in the surgery.

The images below are from the same patient. Following a failed Maverick ADR surgery, he was continuing to have tests.

Note that if you are in this situation, you've got serious trouble (as is the case if you have a failed fusion.)

Pre-ADR MRI





Post-ADR MRI (blown out by artifact)




Post-ADR, post-myelogram CT (blown out by artifact)




Post-ADR, myelogram Xrays (note that the cauda equina (spinal cord) is nicely outlined by the contrast that was injected for the myelogram.

[mmglobal]

I have both lumbar and cervical ADR's. I had an uncle who was a chiropractor. I grew up liking having my back 'cracked'.

With ADR surgery, the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) and anterior annulus is sacrificed to gain access to the disc. In many cases, the posterior ligament (PLL) and posterior annulus is also sacrificed. All of the spine surgeons I like endeavor to retain as much annulus as possibe, but I know many who remove the entire annulus. While the remaining structures are enough to keep the system stable, I would not risk having any violent chiropractic manipulations on ME. Now, many chiros use an 'actuator' to accomplish the adjustment without the old violet 'cracking'. I would think that is OK.

If you have an ADR surgery, follow the protocol recommended by your surgeon.

Mark

[Karger]

Thanks for the information everyone. Good to know I've been seeing a chrio since I was little and always felt great after seeing them. My new chrio, doesn't do any "violent", moves, I'd probably just have them still do my upper spine and neck, and nothing with my lumbar.

What about inversion able, I take it that would still be safe! I love my inversion table btw

Andrew

[mmglobal]

my guess is that inversion table is OK, but that is a question for your doctor.

Mark

[Karger]

Thanks for the help everyone. Just dotting my 'i''s and crossing my 't''s

This forum definitely helps put me at ease!

[susadr]

Hi Karger,

I have read a lot of your posts and I had the same questions you had about the prosthetic disc for which I did not find answers anywhere.

The questions I had were -

1. How does the Artificial disc react to decompression(like can you use inversion tables, can you do pull-ups or dips or hanging exercises like leg raises on a regular basis). I know you have a post on it(Active-L disc - how is held in.) and Mark(mmglobal) answered it. I'd like to know what you found out/what the doctor's advise is / are you able to do any of the above?

2. I am also a regular chiropractic care guy. And don't know how this is going to be post-op(if I get it done). How have you handled this situation post adr surgery?

3. Also, I wasn't able to find a latest update on your recovery. How is it going? Are you pain-free?

4. I like to run, do weights on a regular basis(which I am not able to do because of my back). Have you been able to do any of these?


I have been doing a lot of reading these days on this topic(adr) and I must say this is a really helpful group with a lot of information and I cannot stress how thankful I(I'm sure there are a lot more out there) am to you all(for all this info) and Mark(mmglobal) for creating this platform.