50 Participants Needed

Microbiome Study for Prosthetic Limb Adaptation

(OLIMPAS Trial)

ER
AM
Overseen ByAngelica M Melendez-Munoz
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to understand how skin bacteria affect healing after osseointegration (OI) surgery, a procedure for individuals with limb amputations. Researchers will compare skin bacteria from the surgery site to the opposite limb to determine if certain bacteria help or hinder wound healing. The study will also examine how factors like limb type and gender might influence these bacterial communities and healing rates. This trial is for individuals who have had a limb amputated and are scheduled for OI surgery. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve healing outcomes for future patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this microbiome study is safe for prosthetic limb adaptation?

Research has shown that the microbiome, the community of bacteria living in the body, can aid healing after surgeries like osseointegration. This procedure involves attaching a prosthetic limb directly to the bone. Studies have found that the bacteria on the skin around the prosthesis usually do not cause harm and might even help by keeping harmful bacteria away.

In one study, researchers observed patients for 24 months and found that the bacteria around the prosthetic site did not increase the risk of infection. This finding suggests that the treatment is generally safe and well-tolerated for individuals who have undergone this type of surgery. Overall, the evidence indicates a good safety profile for adjusting the microbiome in these cases.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the osseointegration surgery for individuals with limb amputations because it offers a more direct connection between the bone and prosthetic limb, which can improve mobility and comfort over traditional socket-based prosthetics. Unlike conventional methods that often lead to discomfort and require frequent adjustments, osseointegration provides a stable attachment point that can reduce skin irritation and enhance the user's ability to control the prosthetic. By directly anchoring the prosthetic to the skeleton, this approach has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for amputees by allowing for a more natural range of motion and better sensory feedback.

What evidence suggests that this study's approach could be effective for improving wound healing after osseointegration surgery?

Research has shown that the microbiome, the group of bacteria on the skin, plays a crucial role in healing wounds after osseointegration (OI) surgery. Studies have found that the variety and types of bacteria can influence the speed and quality of wound healing. A balanced mix of bacteria appears to lead to better healing and fewer infections. Specifically, one study found that patients with a healthy mix of beneficial bacteria experienced fewer infections and better recovery over 24 months. Another study highlighted that certain bacteria might collaborate to protect against harmful germs and aid the healing process. This trial aims to understand these patterns to develop better treatments for individuals recovering from limb surgeries.12346

Who Is on the Research Team?

ER

Ean R Saberski, MD

Principal Investigator

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 75 years old and will have an orthopedic surgery.
I am eligible for military health benefits.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline/Pre-operative Surgery Stage I

Collection of demographics, medication details, hygiene questionnaire, and biome samples

1-2 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Pre-operative Surgery Stage II

Collection of biome samples and clinical assessment

1 week
1 visit (in-person)

Immediate Post-operative Surgery Stage II

Collection of biome samples in the operation room

Immediate
1 visit (in-person)

Post-Operative Follow-Ups

Follow-up visits at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months for biome sample collection and clinical assessment

24 months
Multiple visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in microbiome and soft tissue health

36-48 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Microbiome Population Adaptation Study

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Study subjectsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
149
Recruited
33,800+

Citations

Analysis of the Stomal Microbiota of a Percutaneous ...

This study was undertaken to determine if the resident microbiota might show evidence of a commensal (mutualistic or proto-cooperative) ...

2.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31317568/

Analysis of the Stomal Microbiota of a Percutaneous ...

Percutaneous osseointegrated (OI) prostheses (POPs) are used to skeletally attach artificial limbs in amputees. While any permanent percutaneous interface ...

Twenty-four months of bacterial colonialization and ...

Twenty-four months of bacterial colonialization and infection rates in patients with transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthetic systems after ...

(PDF) Analysis of the Stomal Microbiota of a Percutaneous ...

Transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthetic systems for replacement of an upper or lower limb might not be an option in patients who are unable, for any reason, ...

Twenty-four months of bacterial colonialization and ...

Twenty-four months of bacterial colonialization and infection rates in patients with transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthetic systems after ...

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Orthopedic Surgery

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gut microbiota on critical aspects of orthopedic surgical outcomes.