NIH-funded research R03 grant

Investigating how bone-implant loading affects prosthetic function

Official title: Dynamic Bone-Implant Loading in Osseointegrated Prostheses

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10838600 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how well prosthetic limbs that are attached directly to the bone work during everyday activities, so we can make them better and help people avoid problems like loosening or fractures.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startMay 15, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$144,400
NIH project number5R03HD111012-02
Project IDNIH-10838600 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with transfemoral or transtibial amputations who are using or considering osseointegrated prostheses.

Less likely to help

Patients with traditional socket-based prostheses or those who do not have amputations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on osseointegrated prostheses, which are directly attached to the bone, improving the connection between the prosthetic limb and the body. The study aims to develop advanced models to measure the loading at the bone-implant interface during daily activities, which is crucial for preventing complications like implant loosening or fractures. By analyzing existing data, the researchers will create a platform that incorporates muscle forces and daily living activities to better understand how these factors influence the performance of the prosthesis. This could lead to improved designs and better outcomes for patients using these types of prosthetics.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the functionality and longevity of osseointegrated prostheses, significantly improving patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in improving function and quality of life with osseointegrated prostheses, indicating that this approach has potential for further advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gaffney, Brecca — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Gaffney, Brecca

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.