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  • gwally
    Member
    November 30, 2012 at 11:10 pm
    Post count: 2
    #7505

    Hi Dr. Corenman,

    If a patient had a total knee arthroplasty two years ago, can she receive an MRI of the lumbosacral spine without incident? I’ve heard conflicting reports that it can and cannot be done. Since there is metal in her knee, I would imagine that it is better not to. Are there exceptions? She needs one for detection of nerve impingement. She had a CT but it showed a “narrowing” of her lumbar spine. Would a CT rule out a herniated disc or spinal stenosis? Thanks!

    G

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    November 30, 2012 at 11:57 pm
    Post count: 8455
    #7508

    A total knee arthroplasty does in no way preclude an MRI of the lumbar spine. Patients with metal in their back from prior spine surgeries can have an MRI.

    Just as an understanding of the CT scan, a CT scan can be performed in the case of metal in the spine but will not define the nerve roots. A myelogram would be needed prior to the CT scan to visualize the nerve roots.

    Dr. Corenman

    gwally
    Member
    December 1, 2012 at 5:29 am
    Post count: 2
    #7514

    Thank you so much!

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