New Study Confirms Link Between Pain Pumps And Cartilage Damage -- Searcy Denney Law Firm Investigates Claims

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Medical Malpractice / Litigation;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 24 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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South Florida law firm Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA (Searcy Denney) has stepped up its investigation into claims stemming from the use of pain pumps following a recent study confirming their dangers. According to the new study, the medication delivered by these pumps causes significant cartilage damage. This study confirms and explains earlier reports of adverse outcomes associated with pain pump use. The cartilage damage caused by these pumps results in a condition known as Post Arthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL), which can lead to significant pain, disability, repeat surgery and not infrequently, the necessity for total joint replacement.

Published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine and presented in July 2008 at this year's American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine meeting, the in vitro study measured the extent of cartilage damage caused by directly exposing cartilage to various concentrations and amounts of the pain medicines commonly used in these pumps. After seeing compelling evidence of cartilage destruction, the authors concluded the use of some medications should be discontinued. Others were recommended for use in minimal concentrations and for very short periods of time.

This study follows an earlier study finding pain pumps caused severe cartilage damage. Published by the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM), the prior study found a strong association between the use of high volume pain pumps after arthroscopic surgery and a loss of cartilage in the shoulder. Doctors reviewed 177 shoulder cases and found a staggeringly high incidence of PAGCL in only those cases where intra-articular pain pumps were used.

We are now learning that these intra-articular pain pumps are being used after many types of joint surgery. Symptoms of joint damage include pain, increased stiffness, grinding or popping when the joint is in motion, decreased or limited range of movement and sometimes pain when the joint is at rest. If severe, the condition can progress to the point bone is rubbing on bone within the joint. The condition can be diagnosed through x-rays, which will show a narrowing of the space in the joint of the shoulder.

"Our clients as well as others are experiencing devastating complications from these pain pumps" said Cal Warner an attorney for Searcy Denney. "They often require numerous repeat surgeries and cannot work. Most concerning is the fact many of these patients are young athletes who face a lifetime of disability because the manufacturers failed to adequately test their products and instruct the medical community of the risk of complications."

The primary medical device manufacturers for the pumps include I-Flow, Inc., DJO Inc., BREG Inc., and Stryker Corporation.

Searcy Denney has set up a hotline to answer consumer questions about pain pump injuries. For more information, go to http://www.searcylaw.com.

About Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA

A nationally recognized trial law firm, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. is committed to protecting and vindicating the rights of people injured through negligence, deceit and abuse of power. Over the past 30 years, the firm has represented clients in courtrooms throughout Florida and across the nation.

Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA