Defective Pain Pump

Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida

Shoulder Pain Pumps
No one would argue that a few pain-free days are hardly worth a lifetime of pain. But a lifetime of pain is the fate of some patients who have undergone shoulder surgery and had an intra-articular pain pump inserted. These shoulder pumps are implanted during arthroscopic surgery to help alleviate pain following the procedure. Arthroscopic surgery should mean a more speedy recovery, because it carries less risk than open procedures.

Doctors use these pumps because oral pain medications do not effectively treat the pain many people experience. Many patients also have adverse reactions to strong pain relievers, so the shoulder pain pump seems like an ideal alternative. The external, battery-operated pumps work by delivering medication straight to the joint, and can effectively numb the shoulder for up to 48 hours. These pumps are used for two to three days after surgery, and then discarded.

PAGCL
However, the use of these intra-articular pain pumps during shoulder surgery has been connected with Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). PAGCL is a condition where the shoulder's cartilage begins to deteriorate.

PAGCL is a common complication known to follow shoulder surgeries, but is still a relatively new condition. PAGCL can cause permanent mobility problems, since it is crucial that the shoulder cartilage move properly for the joint to resume its normal range of motion. Presently, the only way doctors know how to treat this painful condition is to perform more surgery.

Painkiller Concentration
Shoulder pain pumps associated with PAGCL typically infuse pain relievers including bupivacaine, and lidocaine and/or epinephrine to the injured shoulder. A local anesthetic, bupivacaine blocks the conduction of nerve impulses. Medical experts believe it is possible that the high concentration of these painkillers is related to PAGCL.

A Popular Choice
Because they provide patients with regular, ongoing pain relief, and are easily inserted and removed, these shoulder pumps have become a popular choice among health care professionals. In addition, insurance companies are now reimbursing patients for these pumps, because they are finding it more cost-effective than paying for ongoing pain medications. Both of these factors have led to an increase in the use of these intra-articular pumps.

In many cases, patients who developed PAGCL didn't begin to show symptoms until five months to a year after surgery. Common symptoms include shoulder stiffness, pain and weakness, clicking, popping or grinding and a limited range of motion.

If you or a loved one have had arthroscopic shoulder surgery and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact the PAGCL attorneys at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski today. Serving Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia, our lawyers can help you recover what you rightfully deserve. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.

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