Pain Pump Injury?
Let Our DC and Boston Injury Attorneys Help
Pain pumps used for the interarterial administration of bupivacaine and epinephrine following arthroscopic shoulder surgery have been linked to the onset of glenohumeral chrondrolysis. This is a rare, devastating and life-altering complication that is linked to the use of the pain pump. Chondrolysis means literally the arterial cartilage has disappeared from the dissolution of its cells. If you have had arthroscopic surgery on your shoulder and suffered this life-altering complication, contact a qualified Washington DC or Boston personal injury attorney at Pollack & Flanders, LLP, for a free consultation.
Symptoms which could develop following arthroscopic shoulder surgery include:
- Shoulder pain whether in motion or at rest
- Clicking, popping or grinding of the shoulder
- Shoulder stiffness or weakness
- Decreased range of motion
Recent research established a direct link between the development of postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL) and the use of intra-articular shoulder pain pumps which deliver medication directly to the site of the surgery. A catheter is inserted into the shoulder joint, so the pain pump can infuse medication for two or three days. The disposable pump is in place when the patient is discharged, and it is removed when it is no longer needed.
Pain management pumps have grown in popularity and are often used following arthroscopic shoulder surgery, since they control the pain without the undesired side effects of narcotics. They also reduce the amount of breakthrough pain and result in less recovery time after surgery. However, researchers are now indicating that shoulder pain pumps should be avoided following arthroscopic surgery, especially those which deliver bupivacaine with epinephrine. Any benefits provided are greatly outweighed by the risk of permanent shoulder damage.
The use of post-operative pain pumps carry a substantial risk of irreversible cartilage damage which could result in the need for shoulder replacement surgery and lead to life-long pain and lost mobility. Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL) is only known to occur among those who have used a shoulder pump, such as the Stryker Pain Pump or I-Flow On-Q Pump.
Contact a Boston or Washington DC personal injury lawyer for assistance with pain pump injuries.