Measuring bone and skin movement in prosthetic limbs for amputees
Official title: Quantifying Bone and Skin Movement in the Residual Limb-Socket Interface of Individuals with Transtibial Amputation Using Dynamic Stereo X-Ray
Funded at VA Medical Center · NIH-11055337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the part of the leg left after a below-the-knee amputation moves with the prosthetic socket during activities, using special imaging technology to help make prosthetics more comfortable and effective for people like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003700-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with transtibial amputation who use a prosthetic limb.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with upper limb amputations or those who do not use prosthetics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the residual limb of individuals with transtibial amputation interacts with their prosthetic socket during movement. Using advanced imaging technology called Dynamic Stereo X-ray, the study aims to capture and quantify the 3D movement of bones and tissues within the socket while patients perform dynamic activities. By understanding these movements, the research seeks to identify issues that may lead to pain or discomfort, ultimately aiming to improve prosthetic design and functionality for better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced prosthetic designs that reduce pain and improve mobility for amputees.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on prosthetic socket dynamics, this approach using Dynamic Stereo X-ray is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Medical Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maikos, Jason — VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Maikos, Jason
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Spinal muscle targets to improve mobility after leg amputation
A study with adults who’ve had a lower-leg amputation will look at how spinal muscle weakness and fat in the back muscles relate to mobility, with the aim of guiding rehabilitation choices.
-
Bone and skin movement inside prosthetic sockets for below-knee amputees
This project uses moving X-ray and CT-based 3D models to measure how bones, skin, and liners move inside the prosthetic socket of people with below-knee amputations during walking and other activities.
-
Surgical strategies to prevent and reduce amputation pain
This project tests how two nerve-sparing techniques can prevent or lessen phantom and residual limb pain in people who have or will have amputations, especially veterans.
-
Improving how we measure physical function for people using artificial arms
Aimed at making it easier and more accurate to track how well people with upper limb prostheses move and function in daily life.
-
AMPDECIDE: Helping Veterans choose amputation level with personalized outcome information
A doctor helps a veteran facing leg amputation learn personalized risks and likely outcomes for different amputation levels to guide their care choices.
-
Thermoregulation and tissue health in leg-amputee patients
This grant looks at how skin temperature and mechanical factors during walking affect tissue health and risk of sores in people with a leg amputation, especially those with diabetes.
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.