Pain Pump Injury
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.
The pain pump is designed to deliver medication directly to the surgical wound site or in close proximity to the nerves associated with the surgical area for post-operative pain management. The pain pump infuses the medication at an hourly flow rate or combination of an hourly flow rate and controlled bolus doses.
A recent study published by The American Journal of Sports Medicine identified intra-articular pain pumps (aka post-operative pain pumps) as the likely cause of a condition known as chondrolysis.
Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis is a specific type of chondrolysis that is associated with pain pumps and shoulder surgery.
Anyone who has used a pain pump to regulate pain following shoulder, knee, hip, ankle or back surgery should consult their doctor if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- continued pain
- weakness in the shoulder
- clicking, popping or grinding in the shoulder
- decreased range of motion in the shoulder
Free Legal Consultation
If you or a loved one have been injured by an intra-articular pain pump, if you have been diagnosed with chondrolysis or PAGCL, or if you are experiencing the symptoms associated with chondrolysis or PAGCL, you may have a claim against the manufacturers of these pain pumps.
Latest News
Shoulder Pain Pumps Can Result in Lifetime Disability
Post-Arthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis, or PAGCL, is a debilitating and life altering shoulder injury associated with intra-articular pain pumps used in conjunction with arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Read the rest of this entry�
Pain Pumps Can Cause Cartilage Damage
Dr. Charles Beck, a well-respected orthopedic surgeon, recently issued a warning that a commonly used device designed to reduce pain after surgery is potentially dangerous when used in the shoulder joint space. The devices, manufactured by Stryker Corporation, I-Flow Inc. and other companies, deliver high concentrations of pain medication directly to a surgical site. According to the recently published article co-authored by Dr. Beck, they can cause permanent and debilitating damage to the shoulder. In discussing the matter, Dr. Beck stated:
Read the rest of this entry�
If you believe you may have a pain pump
case, contact us today for more information.
|
