Shoulder Pain Pumps

Many wonderful advances have been made in the surgical repair of shoulders by orthopedic surgeons. Many surgeons who specialize in these procedures have been convinced by the manufacturers that the use of pain pumps to add pain medicine directly onto the shoulder joint during surgery would have the added benefit of avoiding potentially addictive pain medications, and would allow earlier reduced pain movement of the joint in an effort to aid in the rehabilitation process. Tragically, these pain pumps (which use the medication bupivacaine and epinephrine directly onto the surgical joint space) have been identified as the likely cause of a condition called Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL).

PAGCL is the deterioration of the cartilage within the shoulder joint following the use of the pain pump, and generally occurs months after an individual has undergone shoulder surgery. The condition generally affects the glenohumeral joint, which is the joint at the end of the shoulder comprised of the socket of the shoulder blade and the ball of the arm bone. PAGCL is a painful condition which causes permanent shoulder or joint disability, and its effect can be permanent and disabling. It can require further surgeries and pain treatments and has no known cure. Symptoms of PAGCL include shoulder weakness, stiffness, pain and decreased range of motion, and there may be a clicking, popping or grinding of the shoulder when the shoulder is in motion. PAGCL is usually diagnosed with an x-ray showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space. Any patient experiencing symptoms associated with PAGCL following the implantation of a pain pump should seek medical attention immediately.

The law firm of Alley, Clark, Greiwe & Fulmer is currently investigating claims involving PAGCL. Please contact us for more information regarding your legal rights.