hardware prominence
Palpable or visible projection of orthopedic implants through the soft tissues.
Full Definition
Hardware prominence refers to the clinical condition where orthopedic implants can be felt or seen beneath the skin, often causing patient discomfort or cosmetic concerns. This complication can result from inadequate soft tissue coverage, implant malposition, patient factors such as thin subcutaneous tissue, or normal healing with tissue contraction. Hardware prominence is particularly common with plates and screws placed in subcutaneous locations such as the lateral fibula, olecranon, or clavicle. Management may range from observation to surgical removal of symptomatic hardware, depending on the degree of symptoms and functional impact.
Usage
Usage note: Use when hardware can be physically detected through soft tissues, not just visible on imaging.
In Context
- "The patient complained of hardware prominence causing discomfort during sleeping." — Follow-up visit note
- "Clavicular plate removal was considered due to symptomatic hardware prominence." — Treatment plan