A comparison of magnetic and radiographic imaging artifact after using three types of metal rods: stainless steel, titanium, and vitallium.

Background Context: After spinal fusion surgery, postoperative management often includes imaging with either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the spinal canal and nerve roots. The metallic implants used in the fusion can cause artifact that interferes with this imaging, reducing their diagnostic value. Stainless steel is known to produce large amounts of artifact, whereas titanium is known to produce significantly less.