OPUS SPEEDSCREW Radiopacity Status
I cannot provide a definitive answer regarding whether the OPUS SPEEDSCREW orthopedic implant is radiopaque based on the available evidence.
Critical Gap in Evidence
The provided literature does not contain any information specific to the OPUS SPEEDSCREW device. The evidence includes guidelines on:
- Cardiac prosthetic valve imaging 1
- Orthodontic radiology protocols 1
- Dental implant planning 1, 2, 3, 4
- Osteomyelitis imaging 1
- General radiation safety 1
- Tissue markers and other implants 5, 6
None of these sources address the OPUS SPEEDSCREW specifically.
General Principle from Available Evidence
Not all orthopedic implants are radiopaque. The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography explicitly states that "not all prosthetic surgical devices are radio-opaque and visible by CT and a thorough evaluation of the patient's operative report or alternative imaging modality such as TEE will help guide assessment" 1.
Recommended Action
Consult the manufacturer's product specifications or Instructions for Use (IFU) for the OPUS SPEEDSCREW to determine its radiopacity status. This information should be clearly documented in the device labeling, as radiopacity is a critical characteristic for intraoperative and postoperative imaging verification of implant position.
Alternative Verification Methods
- Review the operative report for documentation of implant placement location 1
- Consider CT imaging if standard radiographs are inconclusive, as CT is more sensitive for detecting various implant materials 1
- If the device is not radiopaque, alternative localization methods (ultrasound, MRI with metal artifact reduction sequences) may be necessary 1