PAGCL Pain Pump
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
If you have undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery, you probably have used a pain pump to assist your recovery. New research suggests that these pain pumps can administer too much medicine, which can destroy your cartilage, leaving you with a painful condition called Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). If you or a loved one has used a pain pump and is now experiencing adverse health effects, please contact the defective product lawyers at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC.
How Pain Pumps Work
A pain pump is a medical device that is implanted into your shoulder during arthroscopic surgery. These devices work by infusing pain medication directly into your shoulder through a catheter, to alleviate post-operative joint pain. Generally speaking, these pain pumps are used for two days following arthroscopic surgery, although they are designed to deliver pain medication for as many as five days.
Shoulder pain pumps are disposable, and removed once the pain medication is no longer necessary. These medical devices are most often used with arthroscopic surgery on the knee, hip and shoulder. The surgery may be performed to treat a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, tendonitis and muscle tears.
The Problem with Pain Pumps
Pain pumps, especially shoulder-infusion pain pumps have grown in popularity because of their ability to reduce recovery time without the side effects associated with narcotic pain relievers. However, these pain pumps have recently been linked to PAGCL, a condition when the cartilage located within your shoulder joint begins to deteriorate, leading to permanent shoulder pain and loss of mobility.
PAGCL is one of the most common complications following shoulder surgeries. But it only occurs in patients who received a shoulder pain pump filled with bupivacaine and epinephrine during their surgery. Studies now show that 63 percent of arthroscopic shoulder surgery patients who receive a post-operative pain pump may develop PAGCL.
PAGCL Symptoms
Symptoms associated with PAGCL typically surface between three and 12 months after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder (both in motion and when resting)
- A popping, clicking or grinding in your shoulder
- Shoulder stiffness or weakness
- Decreased range of motion
Current Lawsuits
Because of its detrimental effects, pain pumps are facing a number of lawsuits. Companies that are facing litigation include those who manufacture, distribute and/or market these pain pumps. Some companies include:
- Stryker
- DJO Inc.
- I-Flow Inc.
- BREG Inc.
Patients who suffer from PAGCL following arthroscopic surgery may be eligible for damages. If you or someone you love lives in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico and is experiencing the symptoms of PAGCL following arthroscopic surgery, please contact the defective products attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC so that you can be rightfully compensated.
