Surgical strategies to prevent and reduce amputation pain
Official title: Surgical interventions to prevent and reduce amputation related pain
Funded at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · NIH-11412844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2RD001083-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals at risk of or having an amputation who could benefit from improved pain outcomes through advanced nerve-interface techniques (TMR or RPNI).
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose amputation pain is not related to nerve injury or who cannot undergo these surgical approaches may not experience a direct benefit.
What this research studies
The researchers will use rodent models that mimic human amputation pain to compare targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) when applied at the time of injury and after injury. The goal is to see which approach better reduces pain to guide future treatment for veterans with amputations. The work connects basic science in animals to potential clinical practice led by an experienced peripheral nerve surgeon. Results could help personalize pain prevention strategies for people with amputation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective, personalized pain prevention and management for veterans and others facing amputation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show promise in animal models, but direct comparisons under different injury circumstances are limited and this project aims to fill that gap.
Where this research is happening
-
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: M Hoben, Gwendolyn Maria Bethenis — Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: M Hoben, Gwendolyn Maria Bethenis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Spinal muscle targets to improve mobility after leg amputation
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Improving how we measure physical function for people using artificial arms
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AMPDECIDE: Helping Veterans choose amputation level with personalized outcome information
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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.
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Biomechanical changes in the shoulder after losing a forearm through amputation
Researchers will study how losing a forearm affects shoulder movement and bone shape in people with transhumeral amputation, compared to healthy individuals.
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.