Shoulder Pain Pump Catheters Lawyer

A recent article in The American Journal of Sports Medicine has linked reported cases of postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL) to intra articular pain pump catheters.

PAGCL, which usually occurs after certain surgeries on a shoulder (including arthroscopic surgery), is a condition in which cartilage within the shoulder's glenohumeral joint begins to deteriorate. The glenohumeral joint is at the end of the shoulder and is made up of the ball at the end of the arm bone and the socket in the shoulder blade.

Cartilage allows for smooth movement of the joint. As it deteriorates, the patient may experience:

• Lessened or lost ability to move the shoulder
• Stiffness in the shoulder
• Grinding, clicking or popping
• Moderate to severe shoulder pain

In severe cases of PAGCL, the shoulder may need to be replaced.

Arthroscopic surgery involves making a small incision through which a small camera and lighting apparatus is inserted. Images captured by the camera are relayed to a video screen in the operating room, allowing the physician to make a more accurate diagnostic assessment or even operate with miniature surgical tools.

After arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder, a pain pump that dispenses pain medication is sometimes placed directly into the site of the arthroscopy. The pump, which is disposable, is then removed usually two or three days after the procedure, and the shoulder continues to heal naturally.

The problem with this technique of pain control is that the conclusion of a review and comparison of PAGCL cases mentioned in The American Journal of Sports Medicine article is that these intra-articular pain pump catheters are "highly associated" with the condition.

The article advises that use of intra-articular pain pump catheters, especially those that dispense bupivacaine and epinephrine such as the ones in the study, be discontinued until further investigation. The cause of the association of intra-articular pain pump catheters with PAGCL has not been identified.

If you or a loved one is suffering from PAGCL after using an intra-articular pain pump catheters, you may wish to consult with a qualified defective medical device attorney who can help you determine if you have a legal recourse that may entitle you to financial compensation.

Read more about defective Shoulder pain pumps and PAGCL.

Contact us today to find an experienced defective medical device attorney near you.