The Effect of EXPAREL® on Postsurgical Pain, and the Use of Narcotics

The Effect of EXPAREL® on Postsurgical Pain, and the Use of Narcotics

Patients undergoing shoulder rotator cuff surgery in an outpatient setting are the focus of this study. The purpose of this study is to determine if the product EXPAREL® can be used as a safe alternative in shoulder surgery to pain pumps, while limiting narcotic use and providing appropriate postoperative pain control.

Based on prior research, it is hypothesized EXPAREL® can potentially be used as a local anesthetic option after undergoing an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in the outpatient setting. Conducting this study, will allow the option for a surgeon to administer a local anesthetic, in a single injection, to the exact location of the surgical procedure and in a sterile environment. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if EXPAREL® can be used as a safe alternative to current post-operative pain control methods, while limiting narcotic use and providing appropriate postoperative analgesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female
• 18-72 years of age
• Subjects scheduled to undergo a rotator cuff repair with a subacromial decompression by one of the protocol investigators

Exclusion Criteria:

• Planned concomitant glenoid labral repair
• Previous open shoulder surgery
• Neurological deficit or other disability involving the surgical extremity
• Anyone with a documented allergy to bupivicaine
• Subjects that are not mentally competent to give consent
• Pregnant women
• Subjects with an intolerance to hydrocodone or oxycodone and/or brand name equivalent combination medication