Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis, also known as PAGCL, has recently been linked to the use of Shoulder Pain Pumps.
The intra-articular shoulder pain pumps are devices that deliver medication to the shoulder following arthroscopic surgery.
What is the problem with the Shoulder Pain Pumps?
A shoulder pain pump is a medical device that is used after an individual has undergone a medical procedure called shoulder arthroscopy. the pain associated with the surgery can be managed with oral medications, but in some cases, oral medications are not enough to handle the pain the individual feels. These individuals may opt to have a shoulder pain pump, also known as an intra-articular pain pump, installed to manage the pain they feel after the surgery. The intra-articular shoulder pain pumps delivers medication to the shoulder following arthroscopic surgery. The use of intra-articular pain pumps in shoulder surgeries has been associated with a condition called Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL).
PAGCL is an extremely painful and life-altering condition. It is a condition in which the cartilage located within the shoulder joint begins to deteriorate. The glenohumeral joint is most commonly affected. Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis typically occurs months after the individual has undergone a procedure called shoulder arthroscopy. PAGCL is usually diagnosed with an x-ray showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space. Treatment for this condition is further surgery. Many patients require shoulder replacement surgery, known as glenohumeral arthroplasty, and never fully regain strength
$4.75 Million Awarded in Shoulder Pain Pump Lawsuit
In January 2010, a jury in Oregon awarded $4.75 million to Matthew Beale, a man who was diagnosed with chondrolysis after he used a shoulder pain pump following bicep surgery in 2004. His lawsuit is one of hundreds that are now proceeding in courtrooms all over the United States. The litigation has not been centralized into a pain pump class action — instead, individual lawsuits are proceeding separately in state court.
Side Effects of the Shoulder Pain Pumps
There are a variety of side effects associated with the Shoulder Pain Pump. Our firm is pursing the following types of serious, adverse complications:
- Stiff shoulder
- Shoulder pain
- Clicking shoulder
- Popping shoulder
- Grinding shoulder
- Shoulder weakness
- Decreased shoulder range of motion
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
