My Rheumatologist has referred me to have an MRI scan next week. As he appears to be very unfamiliar with the BHR device, I'm concerned that it may not be safe. Can anyone confirm if I should / should not go ahead with this? I'm going to ring the hospital but respect your advice & any facts you guys can give me before I ring them.

Hey Simon - I think there's no problem, I saw several articles detailing MRIs done on THRs, the only effect that they have is overcoming some of the impact of metal on the scan itself, but apparently that's something that's routinely done and that MRI technicians are knowledgeable about. Definitely contact the hospital, but it seems fine.

Here's one reference:

http://www.ajronline.org/content/181/6/1547.full

Here's an abstract on vitallium and MRIs in plates used for cranial reconstruction.  Sure it's a little off, but I believe the conclusion of the study suggests that CoCr alloy used in the med field (vitallium), as well as stainless, and Ti each do not appear to be affected by the magnetics enduced from an MRI.  Obviously the need to be able to use MRI's on the brain are huge and if you've got a metal plate in there, it might not be so good to produce a really strong magnetic field around it.  This study suggests that it is safe to do so. 

I bet there are other studies more specific to joints.  I bet radiologists deal with this subject a lot.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7938281

Thanks for the info Hern & Tin.
I have contacted the Hospital & The Charge Chief in Radiology confirmed the BHR is approved to proceed with MRI scan.
Cherz
Kiwi

I had a head MRI done two months ago- no concern. Just tell the radiologist that you had HR . They should contract your ortho. The only problem is if you have to lay in an uncomfortable position for a long time. It might bother your hip.

Cherz Hipnhop.
I've never had one before so unsure what position I'll be in. It's for my other (non operated) hip.

I had an MRI at 16 weeks to check out my back. No problem. The implants are made with metal that does not react to the MRI magnet. I was terrified that when they turned on the machine that my implants would fly out of my body. NOT.... didn't feel a thing.

Luanna

Cool thanks Luanna. You've set my mind at rest.

i had MRI 4th day po, nobody at hospital even said anything about it. SCARY.brad