What does "Left elbow with retained hardware" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
"Left elbow with retained hardware" refers to a situation where a person has had surgery on their left elbow and some medical devices or materials, like screws or plates, have been left inside to help the elbow heal or function better. These materials are often used to hold bones in place while they heal or to replace damaged parts of the elbow. Over time, the body heals around these materials, which is why they are often left in place even after the person has recovered from the surgery.
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