Focused microwave treatment to correct leg-length differences in children
Developing microwave epiphysiodesis to correct limb length discrepancies
Doctors are developing a focused microwave method to gently stop growth in part of a child's bone to help fix leg-length differences while shortening recovery time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168900 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is creating a less invasive way to halt growth on one side of a child's bone using focused microwave energy so leg-length differences can be corrected with fewer complications. Engineers and surgeons will design directional antennas and delivery techniques that concentrate energy on the growth plate while limiting damage to surrounding tissue. The team will refine device positioning and multi-applicator methods and test safety and heating patterns in animal bone models (porcine) before comparing the optimized microwave method to standard surgical drilling in locations like the distal femur and proximal tibia. Successful preclinical results would support moving toward clinical testing in children who need growth-plate arrest.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children who still have open growth plates and a clinically significant leg-length difference that would normally be treated by growth-plate arrest are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: This would not help adults whose growth plates are closed or people whose leg-length difference is too small to require growth-plate intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could mean less pain, fewer complications, and a faster return to walking and activity after treatment for children with leg-length differences.
How similar studies have performed: Microwave ablation is already used successfully to treat bone tumors, but using it to intentionally stop growth plates is novel and currently supported mainly by early animal data.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brace, Christopher L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Brace, Christopher L
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 below.