Spinal zap aims to give amputees back their sense of touch

NCT ID NCT04547582

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Lee Fisher, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested whether electrical stimulation of the spinal cord could help people with lower-leg amputations feel sensations in their missing limb and reduce phantom limb pain. Researchers implanted small electrodes in the lower back of 4 participants to stimulate spinal nerves. The study was terminated early, so results are limited, but the goal was to improve quality of life and prosthetic use.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: spinal cord stimulator device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce phantom limb pain and improve prosthetic control for amputees.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study that was terminated before completion. It is unclear if the approach is safe or effective, and results may not apply to all amputees.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain Phantom Limb

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PHANTOM LIMB PAIN TRAUMATIC AMPUTATION OF LOWER EXTREMITY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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