What Is the Shoulder Pain Pump?

A shoulder pain pump (intra-articular shoulder pain pump) is a temporary device with a tiny plastic tube which is inserted into the shoulder during surgery. It releases pain medication directly into the shoulder to aid recovery.

Function

• The intra-articular shoulder pain pump is designed to slowly deliver a constant flow of pain medication to the shoulder area after surgery. Medications such as bupivacaine or epinephrine may be used with the pumps for up to three days. Once the pain has subsided, the pump is no longer needed and will be removed.

Benefits

• The benefit of using a shoulder pain pump is that pain medication is delivered directly to the area. The pump will also control the rate and the amount of medication. This will eliminate any need to use strong pain pills that have the potential to be addictive.

Caution

• According to The American Journal of Sports Medicine, the intra-articular shoulder pain pump has been linked to a condition known as postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL). This is an irreversible and painful form of cartilage disintegration.

Warning Signs

• If you have had a shoulder pain pump inserted, learn the signs of PAGCL. The signs start to show up three to five months after shoulder surgery and include pain, loss of shoulder range of motion, shoulder stiffness and weakness.

Conclusion

• Shoulder pain pumps can be beneficial in relieving pain from surgery; however, if not properly installed the results may lead to permanent damage, more surgery and even shoulder replacement.