Using light therapy to prevent infections in patients with bone-anchored prosthetics
Official title: Advancing Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy to Prevent Infection in Osseointegrated Prosthesis Patients
Funded at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · NIH-10789225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help prevent infections in people who have had a prosthetic limb attached directly to their bone, using a special light therapy that targets and kills bacteria, so that amputees can have a better recovery and enjoy their new limbs more comfortably.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $224,552 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI180765-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10789225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone or are considering osseointegration for limb prosthetics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had limb amputations or are not candidates for osseointegration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to prevent infections in patients who have undergone osseointegration, a procedure where a prosthetic limb is directly attached to the bone. The study utilizes antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), which involves applying a topical agent that targets bacteria and is activated by light to kill these harmful cells. By focusing on reducing infection risks, the research aims to improve the overall success and comfort of prosthetic limb use for amputees. Patients participating in this research may receive innovative treatments that could enhance their recovery and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce infection rates and improve the outcomes for patients with osseointegrated prosthetics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for infection control, suggesting potential success for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
Lebanon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gitajn, Ida L — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Gitajn, Ida L
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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.