hydrocodone and Shoulder-Pain

The objectives for presenting these medico-legal forensic case reports are the following: 1) detail three cases where chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT) was alleged to cause iatrogenic addiction and/or re-addiction; 2) detail the plaintiff's and defendant's medical experts' opinions on these allegations; and 3) through analyzing these cases, develop some recommendations for future prevention of such allegations during COAT.. Case Reports.. Medico-legal issues surrounding the allegation of iatrogenic addiction were identified in each case.. Before starting COAT, physicians should obtain and document patient informed consent for the risk of addiction/re-addiction with COAT treatment. Patients with a history of addictions pre-COAT should be placed on adherence monitoring immediately on beginning COAT.

Topics: Adult; Analgesics, Opioid; Back Injuries; Expert Testimony; Female; Forensic Medicine; Humans; Hydrocodone; Iatrogenic Disease; Informed Consent; Low Back Pain; Male; Malpractice; Middle Aged; Morphine; Opioid-Related Disorders; Pain; Patient Compliance; Physical Examination; Shoulder Pain; Terminology as Topic