MRI has become one of the fastest-expanding diagnostic technologies in modern healthcare, with a compound annual growth rate of around 5% in recent years. Installations of MRI across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries have increased significantly over the last decade, and demand continues to surge as imaging capabilities advance and accessibility improves. At the same time, the world’s population is ageing—22% of people are expected to be over 60 by 2050—a demographic shift that is closely tied to an increased need for orthopedic implants and advanced imaging.

Consequently, more patients with orthopedic implants are entering MRI environments than ever before. This makes MRI safety a rapidly growing priority and a strategic opportunity for orthopedic device manufacturers.

To address what companies need to keep in mind when developing devices to ensure safety and compatibility with MRI, Thomas Eigentler, Dr.-Ing., Senior Product Specialist MRI Safety at TÜV SÜD, took time to respond to a series of questions. In the following Q&A, he speaks to the concerns and opportunities involved, material considerations, and best practices for development.

Sean Fenske: Can you please explain the general concerns regarding an MRI and orthopedic devices and implants? What are the MR classifications for devices?

Dr. Thomas Eigentler: Non-active orthopedic implants interact with all three MRI field types (i.e., static magnetic field, gradient field, and radiofrequency field). Considerations can be divided into two categories for non-active orthopedic implants: mechanical hazards and…