RCLL Visiting Professor Program

The OrthoCarolina RCLL Visiting Professor Program is designed to allow surgeons an unprecedented opportunity to advance their learning and understanding of advancements in the care of upper extremity amputees.  Participants will have the unique opportunity to have one-on-one didactic time with Drs Gaston and Loeffler, observe live surgeries, participate in the RCLL clinic, and master the surgical techniques in a cadaver lab.

Typically participants will arrive Wednesday morning and have the opportunity to tour the Hanger Clinic facility to learn about prosthetic designs and manufacturing.  That evening Drs Gaston and Loeffler will lead a discussion on surgical advancements in amputee care and lead a cadaver lab where surgeons can first-hand practice performing the Starfish Procedure as well as TMR for above the elbow, below the elbow and lower extremity.  Additionally, the role of humeral osteotomy for improved fit as well as shoulder level TMR can be discussed and explored.  Wednesday night typically involves a group dinner with the physicians.

Thursday morning participants will join in the RCLL clinic which is a busy, multidisciplinary clinic involving the surgeons, prosthetists, occupational therapists, case managers, and at times mental health professionals.  This unique clinic averages 20-25 patients per half day with all levels of amputation from shoulder to partial hand as well as lower extremity.  A full-time research coordinator is on site and participants are able to see the extensive data collection that takes place for every patient at every visit.  In addition to standard Patient Reported Outcomes measures that surgeons are familiar with, all patients are screened at every visit for PTSD and depression.

Thursday afternoon is dedicated OR time for amputee surgeries.  Like the cadaver lab, this includes targeted muscle reinnervation, the Starfish procedure, humeral osteotomies and much more.

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