Adjustable prosthetic systems for children with limb loss

Innovative Prosthetic Systems for Pediatric Limb Loss to Accommodate Growth

NA · University of Pennsylvania · NCT05230004

This study is testing a new adjustable prosthetic system for kids aged 3 to 18 with limb loss to see how well it fits and works for them as they grow.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania (other)
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05230004 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates an innovative adjustable prosthetic system designed for children aged 3 to 18 who have experienced limb loss. The research is divided into two phases: Phase I focuses on in-lab testing of prototype designs, gathering feedback from participants to refine the prosthesis, while Phase II involves a two-month home trial to assess comfort and usability. Participants will provide feedback through questionnaires and gait analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the prosthesis. The goal is to create a prosthetic solution that accommodates the growth and changing needs of pediatric patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 18 who are four months post-amputation and have intact protective sensation in their residual limbs.

Not a fit: Patients with open skin lesions, excessive pain in the residual limb, or neurological disorders affecting gait may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and comfortable prosthetic solutions for children, enhancing their mobility and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in developing adjustable prosthetic systems for pediatric patients, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Four months post-amputation
* Subjects who have lost a limb due to any cause: trauma, congenital limb loss, dysvascular causes (peripheral vascular disease and diabetes), or malignancy will all be eligible for inclusion.
* Intact, protective sensation in their residual limbs.

Exclusion Criteria:

* open skin lesions
* excessive pain in the residual limb (phantom pain, residual limb pain, or neuroma)
* neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, severe polyneuropathy) causing weakness in the contralateral leg or marked gait impairment
* inability to follow instructions for trial

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Limb Deficiencies, Pediatric ALL, prosthesis, limb deficiency, limb loss, pediatric

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.