 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pain Pumps & Arthoscopic Shoulder Surgery Risks
 For years, patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery have routinely received pain pumps to assist in their recovery. Now a new study suggests these pumps may deliver too much medicine, destroying valuable cartilage and leading to a painful condition known as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis.
Pain pumps deliver controlled amounts of local anesthetics to manage pain after a surgical procedure. They have become popular because of their ability to reduce recovery time without the unpleasant side effects of many narcotic pain relievers.
However, a recent study published by The American Journal of Sports Medicine identified intra-articular pain pumps as the likely cause of Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). PAGCL occurs when the cartilage located within the shoulder joint begins to deteriorate – and has no consistently successful treatment; often resulting in permanent shoulder pain and loss of mobility.
PAGCL is one of the most common complications following shoulder surgeries – but it only occurs in patients who received a shoulder pain pump filled with bupivacaine and epinephrine during their surgery. In fact, studies now suggest that up to 63% of arthroscopic shoulder surgery patients who receive a post-operative pain pump may develop PAGCL.
Numerous lawsuits are pending against the companies that manufacture, market or distribute the pain pumps, including Stryker, DJO Inc., I-Flow Inc., BREG Inc. and others.
Symptoms associated with PAGCL typically manifest 3-12 months after shoulder surgery and can include:
- Shoulder pain whether in motion or at rest
- Clicking, popping or grinding of the shoulder
- Shoulder stiffness or weakness
- Decreased range of motion
Patients who are suffering from PAGCL after shoulder surgery may be entitled to legal compensation and should contact an attorney immediately.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
