Welcome to ShoulderLaw.com

Shoulder pain following shoulder surgery and use of a pain medication pump may leave you suffering from Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chrondrolysis (PAGCL). PAGCL is a very serious condition where the shoulder cartilage deteriorates or dies. The resulting condition is irreversible and extremely painful as the patient’s shoulder bones rub together once the cartilage is lost. Recent studies have identified the use of pain medication Marcaine (Bupivacaine) when delivered through a pain pump as a cause of PAGCL.

Pain pumps are often left in place for several days following surgery in order to continue to deliver pain medication to the area. Pain pumps have been used frequently in shoulder surgery because they relieve pain without the undesired effect of narcotics. Added benefits are, however, greatly outweighed by the debilitating loss of use of a patient’s shoulder cartilage.

Lawsuits against the makers of the pain pumps used in arthroscopic shoulder surgery are being evaluated across the Country. If you or a loved one have been injured by shoulder pain pump, or if you, a family member or friend have the symptoms or diagnosis of PAGCL, you may have valuable legal rights. Please contact us today by filling out the quick contact form, questionnaire or by calling our toll free number (1-888-5-painpump) for a free, no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of your case.

We handle PAGCL cases on a contingency fee basis. That means that we will NEVER ask you for money and there is no charge unless we recover money for you.

What is Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chrondrolysis and what causes PAGCL?

If you are experiencing shoulder pain following shoulder surgery and use of a pain medication pump, you may be suffering from Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chrondrolysis (PAGCL). PAGCL is a very serious condition where the shoulder cartilage deteriorates or dies.

Recent studies have identified the use of pain medication (Marcaine/Bupivacaine) when delivered through a pain pump as a cause of PAGCL. These medications are toxic to the cartilage and when delivered continuously and under pressure through a pain pump can kill the cartilage.

Pain pumps have been used frequently in shoulder surgery because they relieve pain without the undesired effect of narcotics. Added benefits are, however, greatly outweighed by the debilitating loss of a patient’s shoulder. Pain pumps are often left in place for several days following surgery in order to continue to deliver pain medication to the area.

Scientists have concluded through studies that the shoulder cartilage is susceptible to wasting as a result of the use of pain pumps containing (Marcaine and Bupivacaine). The damage caused by the use of pain pumps has been tied to PAGCL, possibly because of the high concentration of the pain medication pumped directly into the surgery site.

The resulting condition is irreversible and extremely painful as the patient’s shoulder bones rub together once the cartilage is lost.

What are the symptoms of Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chrondrolysis?

Symptoms which could develop following arthroscopic shoulder surgery include:

Shoulder stiffness
Pain when the shoulder is in motion
Pain when the shoulder is at rest
Clicking, popping, and/or grinding
Shoulder weakness
Decreased range of motion
Narrowing joint space, visible on x-ray

How long after surgery do symptoms appear?

Symptoms may appear right away after pain pump use but are usually not seen until months after surgery.

What does current research show?

In a 2006 presentation at an American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons meeting a study was discussed which linked the use of intra-articular pain pumps in shoulder surgeries to (PAGCL). The study reviewed 152 patients who had undergone shoulder surgeries and found that 12 of the patients developed PAGCL. Researchers found that patients who developed the condition had been administered a shoulder pain pump filled with bupivacaine and epinephrine during their surgery.

An October 2007 article in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported a link between intra-articular pain pumps and PAGCL. Click HERE to read. Other studies have reached similar conclusions. See Chrondrolysis After Continuous Inter-articular Bupivacaine Infusion: An Experimental Model Investigating Chrondrotoxicity in the Rabbit Shoulder, Andreas H. Gromoll, M.D., Richard W. Kang, B.S., James M. Williams, Ph. D., Brenard R. Bach, M.D., and Brian J. Cole, M.D., M.B.A., Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol. 22, No. 8 (August), 2006: pp. 813-819. Abstract available at http://www.arthroscopyjournal.org/article/S0749-8063(06)00733-X/abstract. See also, In Vitro Exposure to 0.5% Bupivacaine Is Cytotoxic to Bovine Articular Chronodrocytes, Constance R. Chu, M.D., Nicholas J. Izzo, Ph. D., Nicole E. Papas, B.S., and Freddie H. Fu, M.D., Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol. 22, No. 7 (July), 2006: pp. 693-699. Abstract available at http://www.arthroscopyjournal.org/article/S0749-8063(06)00618-9/abstract

Which Shoulder Pain Pumps are involved?

The pain pumps involved include those manufactured by Stryker Co., DJO Inc., I-Flow Co., BREG Inc. and several others. So, it is not necessary that you remember the particular manufacturer involved.

What can I do Next?

The manufacturers of pain pumps such as the Stryker Pain Pump or I-Flow On-Q Pump failed to give sufficient warning of the dangerous and harmful side effects of their products. Lawsuits against the manufactures of the pain pumps used in arthroscopic shoulder surgery are being evaluated across the country. We are now reviewing cases in Florida. If you or a loved one have been injured by shoulder pain pump, or if you, a family member or friend have the symptoms or diagnosis of PAGCL, you may have valuable legal rights. Please contact us today by filling out the brief questionnaire on this page, or by calling our toll free number (1-888-5-painpump) for a free, no-cost no-obligation evaluation of your case.

Why should I call you?

Two reasons: experience and individual attention.

We have extensive experience representing clients in medical and pharmaceutical products cases. We have successfully represented numerous clients in this field. The vast majority of pharmaceutical and medical device cases are settled confidentially, but we can say that we have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients and in some particularly catastrophic cases over ten million dollars for individual clients.

This type of representation requires a great deal of expertise. Unlike automobile accidents or other simple cases, it is more difficult to prove that the device or drug at issue actually caused the injury. There are specific legal requirements to prove the case. An understanding of medicine and epidemiology (the statistical study of groups to determine what causes disease) is essential. An understanding of the FDA regulatory process and the complex legal principles is equally important.

These issues must be understood and applied in the context of your individual case and medical condition. In most cases we work with leading expert physicians to evaluate and prove your case.

What result can I expect?

No one can promise you a particular result in your case. Once we have had an opportunity to evaluate your individual case and as litigation proceeds, we will discuss with you our goals and expectations for recovery.

Can Postarthroscopic Chrondrolysis Occur in the Knee?

Current studies have focused on issues concerning shoulder surgery. Pain pumps have also, however, been used in knee surgery as well. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms such as stiffness, pain, grinding, weakness, decreased range of motion or narrowing joint space visible on x-ray regarding a knee following knee surgery and use of a pain pump please contact us for a free evaluation of your potential claims.