Restore motion in the big-toe joint for people with hallux rigidus
Official title: Characterizing and Restoring Joint Motion in Patients with Hallux Rigidus: Human Subject Testing
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11388783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Trying new 3D motion measurements and design ideas to improve big-toe joint movement for adults with hallux rigidus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003259-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with symptomatic hallux rigidus and limited big-toe motion, especially those considering surgical options, are the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without hallux rigidus, those whose big-toe joint is already fused, or those with other unrelated disabling foot conditions likely would not benefit.
What this research studies
You would have the motion of your big-toe joint measured in three dimensions using motion-capture and imaging while you do everyday activities. The team will collect biomechanical and functional data from participants to see how the joint moves and where mechanical stresses occur. Those measurements will be used to guide designs and treatments aimed at preserving or restoring joint motion instead of permanently fusing the joint. Participation will likely involve in-clinic testing sessions, imaging, and simple movement tasks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments or implants that preserve or restore big-toe motion and avoid the limitations of joint fusion.
How similar studies have gone: Hip and knee joint replacements have been successful, but prior big-toe implant designs have often failed and precise 3D movement data for this joint are limited, so this work is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ledoux, William R. — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Ledoux, William R.
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.