Healio Minute Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 Edition: Spinal trauma “have-nots,” free prosthetic finger, “Dad” factor in focus

What just happened in medicine and why do you care?

Spine trauma mortality rates separate, unequal

Healio.com/Orthopedics: Study shows success rate partly linked to insurance status and race. Read more.

Prosthetic finger designer team favors progress over patents

Healio.com/Orthotics-Prosthetics: No-cost prosthetic digits are prototyped; ultimate goal: do-it-yourself kits. Read more.

The “Dad” factor in adolescent sexual behavior: Missed opportunity?

Healio.com/Pediatrics: Researchers contend more “father-specific” studies needed to fully understand role of both parents. Read more.

Incurable cancer vs. eternal optimism

Healio.com/Hematology-Oncology: Unrealistic expectations thrive among many patients receiving palliative radiation therapy for lung cancer. Read more.

Greetings from the Justice Department and HHS: We’re watching for fraud

Healio.com/Healio Exclusives: A not-so-subtle letter to health care associations warns against using EHRs to facilitate fraud. Read more.