Question:
I have a client who needs to have an MRI to see if his cartilage is reconstructed. The client has screws in his ankle and it seems he is not allowed to have it done. Do you think there is an alternative? Thanks in advance.
Good day
Answer:
It appears that the Scan Clinic is refusing the MRI based on the presence of screws.
B’s client may still have options for checking their ankle cartilage, even with screws in place. The first step is to confirm whether those screws are actually MRI-safe.
Many modern screws, especially titanium ones, don’t interfere with MRI scans, but sometimes clinics err on the side of caution and say no without checking. Your client should ask their surgeon or the hospital for details about the screws—specifically the make and model—so a radiologist can verify if an MRI is truly unsafe. If it turns out the screws are safe, they can proceed with the MRI for the clearest view of their cartilage.
If the screws aren’t MRI-compatible, alternatives like a CT scan or ultrasound could be used, though they aren’t quite as good for cartilage imaging.
A CT scan gives great detail on bones and screws but only indirect clues about cartilage, while ultrasound is better for surface-level tissues and less useful for deep joint assessment. In some cases, doctors might suggest a specialized MRI technique with adjusted settings or contrast dye to work around the metal.
The best next step is for your client to contact their surgeon’s office and ask: “Can you check if my ankle screws are MRI-safe? If not, what’s the next best way to evaluate my cartilage?” This way, they’ll get a clear answer.
