Developing a device to help children with bone tumors grow their leg length after surgery
Official title: Non-invasively extendable megaprosthesis
Funded at Granite Medical, LLC · NIH-10935989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device that helps kids and teens who have had surgery for bone tumors to safely grow their leg length at home, making it a better and more affordable option for keeping their legs the same length as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Granite Medical, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $685,746 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AR083875-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 0-15 who have undergone surgery for malignant bone tumors in the distal femur.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bone tumors located in areas other than the distal femur or those who are older than 15 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a non-invasive device that allows for the extension of a distal femur replacement in children and adolescents who have undergone surgery for bone tumors. The device is designed to be easily operated by pressing on the skin, enabling gradual lengthening at home, which helps maintain leg length equality as the child grows. Unlike existing solutions, this device aims to reduce complications and costs while being MRI compatible. The goal is to improve the quality of life for young patients by providing a safer and more effective treatment option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective method for children with bone tumors to maintain proper leg length as they grow.
How similar studies have gone: While there is one FDA-approved device for similar purposes, this research aims to improve upon existing methods, indicating a novel approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Granite Medical, LLC
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Jeffrey David — Granite Medical, LLC
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Jeffrey David
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.