Effects of RF-Induced Heating on Stages of Bone Fracture Healing : In Silico Study at 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI

Motivation: Conventional implant testing requires additional analysis for non-homogeneous electric fields, yet research on bone healing stages and tissue adhesives is limited. Goal(s): This study aims to assess the impact of RF-induced heating on stages of bone fracture healing for orthopedic implants. Approach: Surgical, scar, and healed models were developed to depict the stages of bone fracture healing and evaluated at 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI. Results: The findings revealed significant variations in RF-induced heating depending on implant positioning and local tissue properties, with heating exceeding 6 °C in certain scenarios, highlighting the need for practical in silico studies to ensure patient safety. Impact: This study highlights the critical need for evaluating RF-induced heating in orthopedic implants across various bone fracture healing stages, emphasizing the importance of in silico simulations using multiple human models to ensure MRI safety for patients with passive implants.