Shoulder Pain Pump Uses

A shoulder pain pump is used to alleviate pain in patients following shoulder surgery. However, the device has recently been the subject of litigation after reports linked shoulder pain pump usage to Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL), which is an injury characterized by the deterioration of cartilage around the joint. Despite recent litigation involving shoulder pain pumps, the devices are still used to treat various injuries.

Shoulder pain pumps are still in use despite many patient complications.

Post-Operative Pain Management

A shoulder pain pump is a medical device that internally delivers medication to a patient that experiences pain after surgery. A pain pump functions via a catheter that is placed in the patient's shoulder joint. The pump delivers a controlled amount of local anesthetics directly into the joint for 2-3 days after surgery. The pump is then removed and disposed of once the medication is no longer needed.

A benefit to using a pain pump post-operatively is that a patient's need for narcotics are reduced, thereby reducing narcotic-related side effects and complications. Recovery is more comfortable and the patient returns to normal quickly.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery is the most common type of surgery performed to fix problematic joints since it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Treatment is provided to the interior of a joint using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Although minimally invasive, a significant amount of pain is often experienced in the days following surgery. Shoulder pain pumps have been used to manage pain after arthroscopic surgery.

Specific to the shoulder, arthroscopy is commonly used to treat various ailments of the shoulder including subacromial impingement, acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, adhesive capsulitis, chronic tendonitis and partial tears of the long biceps tendon, SLAP lesions, and shoulder instability.

Consult a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has developed cartilage damage or PAGCL following use of a shoulder pain pump, you should contact an attorney to find out whether you are eligible for compensation for your injuries.