About this study
Children and teens with cancer sometimes need surgery on one or both legs during treatment. Doctors do not know enough about how walking changes after this kind of surgery. This study is needed to learn more about walking patterns after lower-limb surgery in children and young adults with cancer.
After having surgery on their legs, many have trouble walking. Walking problems can make it harder to play, go to school, and do activities of daily living. These disabling problems can also affect how children feel and live.
This study is for children and young adults who have cancer and need leg surgery. The study also includes healthy children and young adults who do not have cancer and do not need surgery. The healthy group will help researchers learn what healthy walking looks like at different ages and stages of life.
Participants with cancer will do walking and movement assessments before surgery and again about 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. During the assessments, participants will walk in a Gait and Mobility Lab while wearing small markers and sensors that measure body movement. Their strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance will also be tested. They will also answer questions about daily life and walking.
Healthy participants will do the same assessments one time. Staff will watch all participants closely during testing to help keep them safe.
Researchers want to learn:
- What may raise the risk for walking problems
- How to better measure walking problems
- What might help children and young adults walk better
- Ways children and young adults might have a better quality of life after cancer treatment
Participants may not benefit directly from the study, but the results may help future patients.
Eligibility overview
- 5–20 years old
- Diagnosed with cancer and needs orthopedic surgery on at least one leg
- Receiving care and follow‑up at St. Jude
- Healthy peers without cancer may join as comparison participants