In his book, Death Foretold: Prophecy and Prognosis in Medical Care, Nicholas Christakis illuminates the many forces leading to this behavior.

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While he continues physical therapy at Johns Hopkins and later at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, doctors are giving Mr Marrocco a good prognosis on the ultimate ability to use his new hands.

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She has ordered a medical certificate to be compiled explaining his "current position and prognosis".

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"The prognosis for the injury was better than we thought but it will need surgical intervention, " said Saints medical director Cliff Eaton.

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