Pain Pump Health Concerns

To begin with, what is a pain pump? A pain pump is a medical device that delivers anesthetics to the surgical sight or in close proximity to the surgical area through a plastic tube. The pain pump dispenses anesthetics to a specific area for 48 hours or more to help control post-operative pain.

Chondrolysis

Both the FDA and American Journal of Sports Medicine have identified pain pumps and the anesthetics used in them as a likely cause of a condition known as chondrolysis. This is when the cartilage between your joints die, leaving the bone to grind on bone. Specifically, postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis is a specific type of chondrolysis that is associated with pain pumps and shoulder surgery. Shoulder surgeries are the most frequently noted cases with chondrolysis following the use of pain pumps after the surgery.

Symptoms

Initially, patients who have used a pain pump following an orthopedic surgical procedure should immediately consult with their doctor if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Weakness

Are pain pumps still used today?

Most physicians discontinued the use of pain pumps in joints following recommendations from the FDA and prominent medical organizations in 2008 and 2009. However, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with chondrolysis or postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis or have symptoms associated with either of these conditions, you may have a claim against the manufacturers of the pain pump. Contact The Schafer Law Office at (502) 584-9511 to see what your options are. Time is if the essence! Contact us today for your free consultation.