Shoulder Pain Pumps and PAGCL

Shoulder pain pumps work by delivering pain medication directly to the shoulder joint for several days following a shoulder operation. Those pain pumps have proved invaluable as a post-operative aid for shoulder patients. However, a disabling shoulder condition, Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL), has now been linked to the use of intra-articular pain pump catheters that were implanted in the shoulder joint space.

PAGCL is a very painful and debilitation condition that causes the progressive destruction of the cartilage in the shoulder joint. 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 intended to be placed in the muscle or outside the shoulder joint. However, patients who suffer from PAGCL allege pump manufacturers encouraged surgeons to insert the catheters directly into the shoulder joint space, even though that use had never been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. That unapproved use led to the destruction of their shoulder cartilage, the injured patients allege.

The connection between PAGCL and the use of shoulder pain pumps has been confirmed in several published studies, including reports by the American Journal of Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. One study examined the surgical results among 177 shoulder patients. Among that group were 19 patients where intra-articular pain pumps were used. Twelve of those 19 patients developed PAGCL. Research indicates as many as 63% of the patients who received a shoulder pain pump following arthroscopic shoulder surgery may develop PAGCL.

Many victims of PAGCL will be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication but the only treatment for PAGCL is more surgery. Many times, arthroscopic surgery is not an option and the patient must endure an even more painful open procedure. Even after this treatment, many patients never regain full use of their shoulder joint.

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.

Brown & Crouppen’s reputation for success is based on the firm’s commitment to deliver the best possible service to clients while making a real difference in people’s lives. We have represented many victims injured by dangerous drugs, defective medical devices and unsafe implants. We have invested significant effort and resources to hold the manufacturers of hazardous products accountable for the promises they make and the promises they break. Our product liability claims have included prostheses, heart devices (pacemakers and valves), hip replacements and knee replacements.

At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of lawyers provides tough, aggressive representation for victims and their families. When you choose us to handle your lawsuit, our entire team becomes fully committed to your cause. We’ll find answers, hold negligent companies responsible and get you the compensation you deserve. Please call Brown & Crouppen at Toll-Free: 1-888-891-2022 for your FREE legal consultation, or save time with our claim evaluation form.