Osteoarthritis is a common aliment that has earned the condition a top ranking in disability of Americans. Symptoms of stiffness, pain and limited movement are caused when the cartilage at the end of the bone breaks down, causing the bones to rub together at the joints. The most common remedy has been arthroscopic surgery, during which surgeons insert a scope with a camera through small incisions, where they smooth damaged cartilage surfaces and flush out bone chips. This allows for faster healing time than traditional surgery.

To alleviate pain following knee surgery, doctors at times will insert a pain pump to deliver medication directly to the surgical wound site. These post-operative pain pumps can help alleviate the pain associated with surgery, but they may come at a greater risk. Post-operative pain pumps, or intra-articular pain pumps, are routinely used in similar arthroscopic surgeries for shoulder injuries.

A recent study by The American Journal of Sports Medicine identified a link between the post-operative pain pumps and a painful, cartilage deteriorating condition known as Postarthoscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis, or PAGCL. PAGCL can cause irreversible damage and may require additional surgeries.

Patients who are considering knee surgery are advised to discuss alternative options with their physicians.

SOURCE: Pain Pumps › Studies show medication, physical therapy as effective as knee surgery

A torn labrum flap is an injury to the part of shoulder joint. Having the surgery could likely end the season for Francis. Though he is a month behind on his throwing program, he says he will continue to pitch and hope that he can work past the shoulder discomfort.

Perhaps one reason Francis hopes to avoid surgery is that shoulder surgery often requires a pain pump for post-operative pain management. The pump is implanted into the shoulder joint during surgery and delivers a steady amount of medication to the surgery wound site. This is often a preferred alternative to narcotics and pain-killers, which can have negative side effects.

However, post-operative pain pumps recently have been associated with a painful condition known as Post-arthoscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis , or PAGCL, in which the cartilage in the shoulder joint break down, causing the bones to rub against each other. The damage can occur rapidly. PAGCL is believed to be irreversible and may require extensive surgeries.

The symptoms of PAGCL can begin to develop as early as two months after surgery up to a year following the procedure. Symptoms of PAGCL include decreased mobility and range of motion; constant pain both at rest and in motion; shoulder stiffness and/or weakness; and popping, clicking, grinding noise in the shoulder. Those who experience symptoms are encouraged to contact their physicans.

SOURCE: Pain Pumps › Shoulder surgery decision weighs on Rockies’ Jeff Francis