European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
-
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often disturbed after spine surgical procedures with or without an implant. Artifacts are induced by ferromagnetic or nonferromagnetic implants and devices and by small metallic particles left by surgical instruments. ⋯ The physical effects caused by the introduction of metal or other conductive materials into a magnetic field and their consequences are presented. The application to postoperative spine MR examinations and solutions to reduce artifacts are discussed.