Brown & Crouppen Represents Those Suffering From PAGCL
Conveniently Located in St. Louis, Kansas City and Throughout Missouri
Pain pumps have proved invaluable as a post-operative aid for shoulder patients. Shoulder pain pumps deliver pain medication directly to the shoulder joint for several days following a shoulder operation. However, a disabling shoulder condition, Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL), is linked to the use of shoulder pain pumps.
What is PAGCL?
PAGCL is a very painful and debilitation condition that causes the progressive destruction of the cartilage in the shoulder joint. PAGCL is a life-altering complication and is usually irreversible. Symptoms generally occur 3 to 12 months following surgery and can include:
- Pain in the shoulder when in use or rest
- Clicking, popping or grinding in the shoulder joint
- Shoulder stiffness
- Shoulder weakness
- Decreased range of motion
Pain pump catheters are approved to be placed in the muscle or outside the shoulder joint. However, the FDA has not approved "intra-articular" placement (placement of the catheter directly in the joint space [1]). Intra-articular catheter placement can lead to PACGL.
The connection between PAGCL and the use of shoulder pain pumps has been confirmed in several published studies. The FDA now requires pain pump manufacturers to warn healthcare providers and patients about the potential for severe joint damage when these devices are used for intra-articular deliver of pain medication [2].
Many victims of PAGCL will be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication but the only treatment for PAGCL is more surgery. Often, the only option is a complete replacement of the shoulder. Many patients never regain full use of their shoulder joint.
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has developed PAGCL after receiving a shoulder pain pump following shoulder surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. Contacting an experienced defective medical device lawyer is the best way to ensure that your rights will be protected.
At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of lawyers provides tough, aggressive representation for victims and their families. We'll find answers, hold negligent companies responsible and get you the compensation you deserve. Please call Brown & Crouppen at toll free at 888-842-7944 for your free legal consultation, or save time with our online contact form.
[1] http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/TipsandArticlesonDeviceSafety
/ucm214699.htm
[2] http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders
/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm190302.htm
