Which of the following is a characteristic of subsidence?

Subsidence refers to the settling or sinking of a prosthetic component within the body, commonly observed in orthopedic implants such as hip or knee replacements. This phenomenon can occur due to factors such as bone resorption, inadequate fixation, or stress shielding, where the load-bearing capacity of the bone is altered, leading to a decrease in bone density around the implant.

When subsidence happens, it may result in complications like reduced implant stability, potential misalignment, and discomfort for the patient. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for orthopedic technologists in assessing the performance of implants and considering possible interventions or revisions when issues arise.

Other characteristics mentioned do not relate to subsidence; for example, an increase in joint stability usually results from proper alignment and function of implants, while new bone growth generally indicates a positive healing response to an implant rather than settling. Inflammation of surrounding tissues can occur for various reasons, including infection or allergic reaction, but does not directly relate to the definition of subsidence.