Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and soft tissues. The primary concern when undergoing an MRI with wound closures is the presence of metal, which can react with the magnetic field. The short answer to whether you can have an MRI with stitches or staples is generally yes, but it depends entirely on the specific material used to close the wound.
Why Metal and MRI Do Not Mix
The strong magnetic field of an MRI scanner creates three safety concerns when metal is present. The first is the “missile effect,” where a ferromagnetic object is powerfully pulled toward the magnet. While this is a risk for large objects, even small items can experience a translational force or torque, causing them to move or be displaced in the body.
The second concern is radiofrequency (RF) heating. RF pulses used to generate images induce electrical currents in conductive materials, causing the metal object to heat up and potentially resulting in burns or thermal injury to surrounding tissue. Although heating from small closures is often minimal, the risk must still be carefully assessed.
Finally, the presence of metal causes image artifact, which is a distortion or signal void on the MRI image. Ferromagnetic materials disrupt the local magnetic field, creating a dark area that can obscure the anatomy the doctor is trying to examine. Even if the object poses no physical danger, a significant artifact can make the MRI scan useless for diagnosis.
Different Types of Wound Closures and MRI Compatibility
Sutures are overwhelmingly considered safe for an MRI. Most modern sutures, both absorbable and non-absorbable, are made from non-ferromagnetic synthetic polymers like nylon, polypropylene, or silk. These materials do not react to the magnetic field and pose no risk of movement or heating. Even surgical steel sutures, used in specialized procedures, are often made of stainless steel that exhibits only minor magnetic field interactions and no excessive heating.
Surgical staples, small metal clips used to close incisions, require careful consideration. Staples are typically made from either titanium or a specific grade of stainless steel. Titanium is non-ferromagnetic and considered fully safe in the MRI environment. Studies show that stainless steel staples are also generally safe, demonstrating no significant displacement or temperature increase during a standard scan. However, they will produce a minor artifact, which may be an issue if the staples are directly in the area of interest.
Other common surface closures include adhesive strips, such as Steri-Strips, and surgical skin glue. Since these materials are non-metallic and non-conductive, they are safe for an MRI scan. They do not react to the magnetic field, cause heating, or create significant image distortion. The safety of any wound closure depends on the exact elemental composition of the material, not the name.
Necessary Steps Before Your MRI Appointment
A safe MRI procedure requires the patient’s full disclosure of all metallic items or implants. Before the scan, you must complete an MRI screening questionnaire detailing past surgeries and any foreign materials in your body. It is important to inform the technologist about the location, date, and type of wound closure.
The technologist will review your answers and confirm the information. If staples are present, especially if the material is unknown, the technologist or attending radiologist may need to consult manufacturer guidelines or hospital protocols before proceeding. This confirms the specific safety profile of the material, sometimes requiring a search for the exact product information.
If the closure is determined to be ferromagnetic or causes an unacceptable level of image artifact, the physician may delay the scan or suggest removing external staples before the procedure. This thorough screening process ensures that the diagnostic benefit of the MRI outweighs any risk from the wound closure materials.