Will k-wire or titanium used in rhinoplasty show up on an x-ray?

Question

Had crooked medpor nasal implant removed. Whatever was used to affix the implant is still there. I can physically feel some sort of k-wire or metal in my nasal bridge still on my bridge, in addition to a hard metal plate. A CT scan for a crooked septum revealed nothing. What imaging will reveal the metal affixing devices still in my face/location, so I can plan a final revision/anticipate risk if I ever undertake a diff.procedure (e.g. paranasal implants)? #k-wire #titanium #rhinoplasty #imaging

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you had a metal plate or wire used to fixate your previous PTFE implant, this should show up on any x-ray, including CT scanning. If the slices of your axial CT images are too thick, it's possible metal could be missed. A "nasal bone" or "facial" plain x-ray should answer your concern - metal looks bright white on x-ray and CT. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear greyghost,an X-ray is a great imaging technique for showing metal implants. However, metal can be easily seen on CT scan too. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

A CT scan is a better version of an X-ray - if you had titanium or a k-wire, it would refract and you would be able to see it in the CT scan just as well as on the X-ray.  Medpor shells are sometimes fixed with dissolving screws which can lead nodular scar tissue - in which case your best bet to see if there are any soft tissue issues would be to use an MRI.  However, before going that route (as metal and MRIs are NO NO), have you asked your physician what was used to affix the implant? Maybe a large, permanent suture? Maybe the dissolving screws as I had just mentioned? If they used any plates or wires - which is highly unlikely unless there was a previous fracture along the orbital-ethmoid complex - it should be included in the operative report and they should mention it to you as its important to know for safety reasons.  I hope some of this helps.  Best of luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  If there is a metal k-wire or screw in place, it would have showed up on the CT scan.  What you may be feeling is scar tissue, bone growth, or capsule from your previous implant.  I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

K wires and titanium both show up on X-rays after patients have had surgery.  You should discuss this concern with your surgeon of course.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

An x-ray will clearly show if any metal is there. If the x-ray its negative it is also possible there may be a small piece of the Medpor material that has been left on the nasal bones.

Stefan Rene Adair, MD · Answer

Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty prior to any diagnostic tests. CT or standard X-rays will show any metal used for reconstruction. Do NOT get an MRI if you think there is a metal implant, although titanium would be ok.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you had a titanium plate of k-wire placed you would see it on CT. Maybe it is scar tissue or bone?

Paul Loewenstein (retired) · Answer

Both titanium and a K-wire should show up on a CT scan or a plain X-ray.  Maybe the fixation device was removed in order to remove the implant. Ask the surgeon who performed the operation about this.

Will k-wire or titanium used in rhinoplasty show up on an x-ray?

Answers (9)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

I drove over a speed bump too fast 10 days post rhinoplasty. Should I be concerned?

Swelling of cartilage after surgery?

Can a rhinoplasty lengthening the columella shorten the philtrum? (photos)

I think my nose looks like a witch's nose. What would you suggest to fix it?

Cartilage sticking out 5 month after rhinoplasty. (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS