Osseointegrated finger prostheses using a tripod titanium mini-plate

BACKGROUND: Digital amputation is a common upper extremity injury and can cause significant impairment in hand function, as well as psychosocial stigma. Currently, the gold standard for the reconstruction of such injuries involves autologous reconstruction. However, when this or other autologous options are not available, prosthetic reconstruction can provide a functionally and aesthetically viable alternative. This study describes a novel technique, known as a tripod titanium mini-plate, for osseointegrated digit prostheses, and reviews the outcomes in a set of consecutive patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction of digit amputations was performed. Demographic information, occupation, mechanism of injury, number of amputated fingers, and level of amputation were reviewed. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) score, respectively. In addition, complications during the postoperative period were recorded. RESULTS: Seven patients were included in this study. Their average age was 29 years. Five patients had single-digit amputations and 2 patients had multiple-digit amputations. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Q-DASH score (average, 10.4) and VAS score (average, 9.1), respectively. One episode of mild cellulitis was seen at 24 months of follow-up. However, it was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No other complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: When autologous reconstruction is not suitable for digit reconstruction, prosthetic osseointegrated reconstruction can provide good aesthetic and functional results. However, larger series with longer-term follow-up are required in order to rule out the possibility of other complications

Driving Patient-Centricity Through KOL Feedback Analysis

OBJECTIVE A Top-10 pharmaceutical company sought to establish innovative patient-centric companywide initiatives. The company partnered with a life science benchmarking firm seeking to pioneer new programs to improve patient care by simplifying the lives of doctors. The project’s goal was to determine ways to alleviate external stresses, so doctors can dedicate more time and energy to their patients. <div><br></div><div>CHALLENGE The pharmaceutical company’s challenge was to determine the most time-consuming activities regularly performed by doctors. By identifying these particularly vexing responsibilities, the company hoped to establish programs that can help lessen the burden of these activities. </div><div><br></div><div>SOLUTION A double-blinded feedback survey was conducted of over 500 doctors across four regions and over 25 therapeutic areas about their common challenges — such as patient non-adherence — along with their interactions with life science company representatives. The survey provided in-depth insights and direct feedback from KOLs about their current and preferred methods of interactions with pharmaceutical representatives, as well as changes they want to see in these interactions, preferred representative characteristics, and the challenges they face daily </div><div><br></div><div>OUTCOME AND BENEFITS Of the physicians surveyed, reimbursement, misinformation, technology issues and insufficient access to patients are some of the most commonly reported challenges. In response to these findings, the pharmaceutical company made strides to improve their patient education materials and potentially create a program to assist with logistical challenges that patients may face. These programs can strengthen relationships with the company’s thought leaders, and significantly improve overall patient care.</div