Chronis Joint Injury

[Scubaholic]

I have got a very bad chronic shoulder. Tendonitis, impingment, inflammation, rotator cuff, and a lot of scar tissue (one surgery already). It's chronic from years of activity and sports when I was younger. Frankly, not to try to sound tough, but most people would not dive with the pain I have to endure.

They say shoulder pain can be a sign of the bends, but I have so much shoulder pain I'd never know it.

Anyway, my question is: Does a chronic joint, such as a shoulder, make you more prone to DCS, all things being equal. I have heard that scar tissue can cause a build-up of nitrogen, which can be released on the surface as opposed to being released during a proper ascent. Maybe an old wives tale, but interested in the real "poop" on this.

 

[DocVikingo]

Although the theoretical concerns expressed about a relationship between scar tissue & DCS appear to make some sense, I am not aware of any compelling empirical evidence that scarring in & of itself in fact so predisposes. Of course, bubbles that formed inside of scar tissue proper likely would have no effect on joints.

However, in a joint known to have chronic tendonitis, impingement, inflammation, rotator cuff disorder & much scar tissue the cumulative effects could be problematic.

I'm also going to call this inquiry to DrDeco's attention.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Scubaholic]

Thanks. Hopefully, Dr. Deco will give his .02. No doctor/patient relationship part is understood.

 

[Dr Deco]

Dear Scubaholic:

Previous Injury

It is likewise my understanding that previous injury does not really predispose to joint-pain DCS. This relationship has been sought, and it does not seem to really exist.

Unfortunately, an area that is sore and tender could certainly mask DCS pain were it to appear. I suppose one would need to rely on it “feeling different” than just sore. Not really a good way to create a diagnosis to be sure.

Astronauts

We have a similar problem with the astronauts on “space walks” (EVA) at NASA. The space suit has “pinch points” and can cause pain in joints, especially after many hours in the suit. We are not sure of the real incidence of DCS because we have never truly been able to sort out all of the pains.

Since they must repressurize when they reenter the spacecraft, they are in effect “treated.” There is not any residual pain that cannot be distinguished from the painful suit fit. We need to develop a Doppler to fit in the suit to sort all of this out.

Dr Deco :doctor:

Please note the next class in Decompression Physiology :grad:
http://wrigley.usc.edu/hyperbaric/advdeco.htm

 

[Scubaholic]

Thanks, Dr. Deco. Good info! You are a scholar and a gentleman.