amputee

We Need Your Help…
to learn more about reducing stump pain or phantom limb pain in people with a lower extremity amputation. If you are one of thousands of people in the United States who suffers from chronic pain due to a leg amputation you may be eligible to participate in a study. This study may help doctors to understand how low levels of electricity could provide stump or phantom pain relief in amputees.

What is phantom limb pain? Phantom pain is a genuine pain felt by patients in the area where the limb used to be. Although the limb is no longer part of the body, an amputee may feel sensations coming from this area. The sensations can be perceived as changes in size, position, heat, cold, or touch. In some patients, these abnormal sensations include pain. Since the pain is experienced in a part of the body that is no longer present, it is called phantom pain.

What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to find out if the phantom or stump pain can be reduced with the use of low levels of electrical stimulation. Doctors hope this research may guide future work to develop a medical device to treat post amputation pain.
What is electrical stimulation and how does it work?
Electrical stimulation is used in many medical devices, such as pacemakers. Small pulses of electricity are sent to parts of the body to improve their function or change how they feel. This study will use mild electrical pulses to try and reduce phantom and stump pain.
Will I receive any medical benefit?
No guarantee of benefit can be made. You may experience temporary relief of your pain from participating in this study or your pain can stay the same or worsen. The results of this study are intended to be used to develop future improvements in the treatment of stump and phantom pain.
Why should I volunteer?
What doctors learn in this study may lead to the development of a medical device that one day may provide long term relief of phantom limb or stump pain in amputees. Doctors hope this research could help people like you in the future. Research takes many years, but with each volunteer we’re a little closer.


What does stimulation feel like?
Some people do not feel anything, but some people who have received stimulation from a similar device describe the feeling as a tapping, tingling or buzzing sensation.
If I participate, what will be expected of me?
Participants in this study will spend a few hours in Dr. Rauck’s office undergoing testing. Small needles will be placed near the thigh or hip of the leg with the amputation. Stimulation will be applied to see if a reduction in pain can be achieved. If a good response is achieved in the office you may be asked to go home with a trial device for 2 weeks to see if pain relief can be achieved in a home setting.
What risks are associated with participation in the study?
There are risks associated with participation in the study. Dr. Rauck and his staff will review all of the risks with you and answer any questions you might have. You will have the opportunity to read more about the risks when you meet with Dr. Rauck.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
If you have a lower extremity amputation with phantom or stump pain you may be able to participate. Call or email the Recruitment Team to find out if you are eligible.
Will I receive compensation?
Yes, you will receive compensation for your time and travel expenses.
I am interested. Who should I talk to?
Richard L. Rauck, MD, the study doctor, can give you more information on the study. You can also call the study coordinator at: 336-765-6181 ext 196