Preventing pain after lower limb amputation using targeted muscle reinnervation

Prevention of PostAmputation Pain With Targeted Muscle Reinnervation: A National, Multicenter, Randomized, Sham-controlled Superiority Trial, Comparing Standard Neurectomy With Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in Amputations of the Lower Extremities

NA · Leiden University Medical Center · NCT06719245

This study is testing if a new technique called Targeted Muscle Reinnervation can help reduce pain after lower limb amputation compared to standard nerve handling.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment203 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorLeiden University Medical Center (other)
Locations7 sites (Amsterdam, North Holland and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06719245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the occurrence of postamputation pain, including phantom limb pain and residual limb pain, in patients undergoing lower extremity amputation. Participants will be randomized to receive either standard nerve handling (neurectomy) or Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR), a technique designed to prevent neuroma formation by rerouting nerves to functional motor nerves. The study will assess outcomes one year postoperatively through multiple online questionnaires, focusing on pain levels, quality of life, and societal participation. The hypothesis is that TMR will significantly reduce postamputation pain and improve overall patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 scheduled for a lower extremity amputation due to vascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients with amputations due to trauma, neoplasms, or those with existing neuromas may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce chronic pain and improve the quality of life for amputation patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for TMR in preventing neuroma formation, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Patients aged between 18 and 75 years old.
* Scheduled for a transtibial, through-knee, or transfemoral amputation as a primary or secondary sequela of vascular disease.

Exclusion criteria

* Insensate limbs at the level of amputation.
* Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
* Existing neuroma or prior neuroma surgery in the affected limb.
* Undergoing radiotherapy on the affected limb.
* Cognitive impairment, or delirium at the time of consent.
* Patients who are unfit for general anesthesia.
* No nerve surgeon trained in the TMR procedure is available

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam, North Holland and 6 other locations

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: Amputation, Surgical, Phantom Limb Pain, Neuroma Amputation, Surgery, TMR, Amputation, Phantom pain, Neuroma

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.