What does "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.
Retained hardware in medicine refers to any medical device or piece that is intentionally left inside a patient's body after surgery. This could include things like screws, plates, or pins that are used to help bones heal correctly. Over time, these pieces can sometimes cause discomfort or other issues, but in many cases, they remain in the body without causing any problems. The term "retained" simply means that these pieces were not removed after the initial healing process.
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