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Harrington rods and MRI
In 1984 I had 2-10” Harrington rods placed in mid to lower back. At that time my surgeon told me I could never have an mri.
I am now having severe pain radiating from my lumbar spine down my hip and right leg. I have had X-rays but they are very cloudy looking due to the metal rods.
I need help and was wondering if I can have an mri?
I am in the process of looking for a neurosurgeon. I have a lot of compression at L5-S1. Due to the rods. They have been in place 40 years. I am 68 now. Thank you for your time, God bless, Tressa
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I'm supposed to get an MRI done, I was always told with Harrington rods it's not compatible.
They said they could do it with a T 1.5 machine, I still don't feel safe doing so, what do I do?
Hello @poohbear3482, you discussion was combined with an existing discussion titled:
"Harrington rods and MRI"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/harrington-rods-and-mri/
@gssalds started this discussion inquiring about a similar experience as yours and @nlback22 and @jolelaine62 shared their experiences as well.
@poohbear3482 - were they able to explain why they feel their machine would be safe to help alleviate some of your concerns? @nlback22 talked about their experience with a machine that had a lower magnet such as your provider's are suggesting.
I had Harrington Rods in from 1991 - 2015 when they were removed and more rods were put in. I had several MRI's during this time period.
No they didn't she scheduled the MRI even after I told for 3 times my Harrington rods aren't MRI compatible. I called the doctor that put them in and he also said they aren't compatible. But the doctor that is waiting me to get it told the MRI department to schedule it.
So they did the MRI before they put the new rods in?
Yes, I had the MRI when I had Harrington Rods in my back.
Hello there, I’m new to this thread. Thought I share my experience with MRI. I had one 19 inch Harrington rod implanted in 1983, it will be 42 yrs on June 6 of 2025. I was told back then I could never have a MRI a few years ago i started having issues and was told I could have a MRI. The doctor request one with contrast and one without. I did not know what to expect since I have never had one. Other than friends telling me it’s a loud knocking noise. I was in there for 45 minutes, about 20-30 minutes in I felt my back getting really hot, I pressed that button they give you and the tech pulled me out, it stopped fast. The tech said there is only about 8-10 minutes left and not to get up or I would have to go through all of it again. So I took a 10 minute brake and finished the MRI. I would not go through that again, unless it would take 15-20 minutes.
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1 Reaction@s1curve Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your experience here. Would you share a bit more about yourself? Has your conditioned changed in need of further treatment? Are you still having issues since your imaging was done?
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1 ReactionI was told by my neurosurgeon that an MRI would not show any better than an xray.
I had a CT scan and they turned on something that helps deal with the metal. They got a good image. I have an appointment on Monday with my neurosurgeon for him to let me know of what possibilities I have.
I also started taking 150mg of Clinoril (sulindac) 2x day. It has done miracles for my pain that was in my hip, down my right leg.
Hello Jennifer, if I may call you by your name. Yes i am having issues. I was diagnosed with S I joint disfunction and that the joint is shifting and I’m having severe pain issues. I have been doing my exercises to help deal with the pain but it is exhausting. The medication helps me get through most days. I have heard and read about S I fusion and don’t want to go through that until it’s the last resort. Any suggestions would be appreciated.