Rerouting nerves during amputation may stop phantom pain before it starts
NCT ID NCT05408520
First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether a surgical technique called targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) can reduce nerve pain and phantom limb pain after a leg amputation. TMR reroutes severed nerves to nearby muscle nerves to encourage organized regrowth. Adults scheduled for a below- or above-knee amputation will be randomly assigned to receive either standard amputation or amputation plus TMR, and their pain levels will be compared over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a surgical procedure called targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) that reroutes severed nerves to nearby muscle nerves to encourage organized regrowth
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could become a standard surgical technique to prevent chronic nerve pain and phantom limb pain after leg amputation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single-center trial with a small planned enrollment, so results may not apply broadly. The procedure adds surgical complexity and carries typical surgical risks like infection or bleeding.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AMPUTATION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Banner - University Medical Center, Phoenix campus
Phoenix, Arizona, 85006, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Penis transplants could restore form and function for wounded warriors
- Mind-Controlled bionic ankle takes steps toward feeling like the real thing
- Kids test new bionic foot design
- Smart hallway could revolutionize gait assessment in rehab
- Can a vacuum dressing save amputation patients from more surgery?
- Nerve cap aims to ease pain after limb loss