Pain Pumps
There have been wonderful advances made over the years by orthopedic surgeons in joint repair. Many surgeons who specialize in joint repair have been convinced by companies that manufacture, market, or distribute pain pumps that using an intra-articular pain pump catheter (which delivers pain medicine directly into the joint space) offers a way for patients to avoid potentially addictive narcotic medication and also allows for earlier reduced pain movement and faster recovery time. A pain pump catheter is placed into the joint during surgery and remains in the joint for several days following surgery. Tragically, studies now suggest that these pain pumps may deliver too much medication and are the likely cause of chondrolysis.
Pain Pump Chondrolysis
Chondrolysis is a painful and permanent condition that is caused by the deterioration of cartilage covering the bones in the synovial joint following the use of a pain pump. The cartilage dies and cannot regenerate, leaving a painful bone-on-bone condition. Symptoms of chondrolysis include joint weakness, stiffness, pain and decreased range of motion, and there may be a clicking, popping or grinding of the joint when in motion. Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL) is a specific type of chondrolysis that has been associated with shoulder pain pumps. Any patient experiencing symptoms associated with chondrolysis following the implantation of a pain pump should seek medical attention immediately.
Numerous lawsuits are pending in the United States against various companies regarding inadequate warnings and safety information of using shoulder pain pumps, knee pain pumps, and pain pumps in small joints after surgery. The law firm of Alley, Clark & Greiwe is currently investigating claims of persons who have used pain pumps following joint surgery and developed symptoms of chondrolysis. Please contact us for important information regarding your legal rights.
