A new prosthetic device to treat severe ankle and hindfoot damage
Official title: A COMPLIANT ANKLE ENDOPROSTHESIS TO TREAT ANKLE-HINDFOOT PATHOLOGY
Funded at Flex Orthopaedics, INC. · NIH-10923285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ankle prosthesis that helps people with severe ankle damage from injury or disease, aiming to improve their movement and reduce pain without needing amputation or fusion surgery, so they can enjoy daily activities more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Flex Orthopaedics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Calabasas, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,996 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AR084406-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from severe ankle-hindfoot damage who are facing limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild ankle-hindfoot conditions or those who are not candidates for prosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a Compliant Ankle Endoprosthesis designed to treat severe damage to the ankle and hindfoot caused by injury or disease. Current treatment options often lead to amputation or restrictive fusion surgeries, which can severely limit mobility and quality of life. The new prosthetic aims to restore function and alleviate pain without the need for fusion or amputation, potentially allowing patients to retain their limb while improving their ability to perform daily activities. The approach involves innovative engineering to create a device that mimics natural movement and provides support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for patients with severe ankle and hindfoot conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a compliant prosthetic device is innovative, similar concepts have shown promise in other areas of orthopedic treatment, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Flex Orthopaedics, INC.
Calabasas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Brandon — Flex Orthopaedics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Brandon
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.