A joint replacement (e.g. an artificial hip joint) or metal plates do not usually prevent having an MRI scan. Please discuss this with your doctor beforehand.
Detailed information on the technical basics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, nuclear spin) can be found in the german learning script by Dr. med. Pabst (University Hospital Marburg) at the following link:
Grundlagen_der_Magnetresonanztomographie_MRT_2013.pdf