Pain management pumps have grown in popularity over recent years and are often used following arthroscopic shoulder surgery.  The pumps utilize a catheter inserted directly into the shoulder joint to deliver a continuous infusion of  medication to the affected area for 2 to 3 days after surgery. The pump is then removed.  While these pumps were initially thought to be effective and beneficial to patients, recent scientific evidence has demonstrated a strong link between the use of intra-articular pain pump catheters and a very serious injury know as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL).

PAGCL is an extremely painful and often debilitating medical condition involving deterioration of cartilage within the shoulder joint.  Its effects are life-altering.  Symptoms of PAGCL include pain at the shoulder when it is in motion or at rest; increased shoulder stiffness; popping or grinding when the shoulder is in motion; decrease in range of motion; and a loss of strength in the joint.  PAGCL is usually diagnosed with an x-ray showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space.  Treatment requires additional surgery.  However, many patients never regain full use of their shoulder joint.

If you or a loved one has utilized a pain pump after arthroscopic shoulder surgery and developed cartilage damage or PAGCL, you should contact Stark & Stark immediately. You may be entitled to compensation.

The attorneys at Stark & Stark have extensive experience with products liability cases and in pursuing damage claims on behalf of individuals and their families who have been injured by defective medical products.  If you or a loved one has suffered PAGCL as a result of an intra-articular pain pump you may be entitled to compensation.  Please fill out the form below for a free case review by one of our experienced Product Liability attorneys.