Surgical trick could let amputees 'Feel' their missing limb again

NCT ID NCT04063592

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests a new surgical procedure for people who have had a leg amputated. The surgery builds special connections between muscles to help the brain better control the remaining limb and restore a sense of position and movement. Researchers will enroll 26 adults who already have a below- or above-knee amputation and are experiencing pain or skin problems. The goal is to improve how well they can use a prosthetic and reduce muscle shrinkage.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

residual limb revision surgery (agonist-antagonist myoneural interface construction)

What this could lead to

If successful, this surgery could give amputees better control over their prosthetic limb, restore a sense of where the limb is in space, and reduce muscle wasting.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 26 people. Surgery carries risks like infection, poor wound healing, or need for additional operations. It may not work for everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Phantom Limb

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    RECRUITING

    Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••