Investigations - Shoulder Pain Pump Therapy
Surgeons have used intra-particular pain pump catheters, which are temporarily implanted in the shoulder during arthroscopic surgery, to manage pain associated with shoulder surgery.
What are the legal and medical issues with Shoulder Pain Pump Therapy?
Medical experts have linked the use of these pain pump to a serious injury know as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). This is an extremely painful condition involving the deterioration of cartilage in the shoulder area. The symptoms of this injury are increased pain in the shoulder area when it is in motion or at rest; increased shoulder stiffness; grating, crackling or popping sounds and sensations under the skin in the shoulder area; a decrease in the range of motion of the affected shoulder; and a loss of strength in the joint. PAGCL is usually diagnosed with an x-ray showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space and can cause life-long disability.
The usual treatment for PAGCL is more surgery. For some patients, arthroscopic surgery is not an option and the patient must undergo a more painful open procedure, known as arthoplasty. Athroplasty reconstructs the shoulder using metal and plastic parts to replace the damaged shoulder joint and is a major surgery, which may require a great deal of recovery time. Despite this treatment, many patients never regain full use of their shoulder joint. Patients who are contemplating shoulder surgery need to be aware of this potential complication.
Do you have a potential claim?
If you or a loved one is suffering from PAGCL after using a pain pump, you should know that many lawsuits have already been filed against the manufacturers. Please contact one of our Indiana Class Action lawyers to discuss your potential claim and possible lawsuit.
What are the legal and medical issues with Shoulder Pain Pump Therapy?
Medical experts have linked the use of these pain pump to a serious injury know as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). This is an extremely painful condition involving the deterioration of cartilage in the shoulder area. The symptoms of this injury are increased pain in the shoulder area when it is in motion or at rest; increased shoulder stiffness; grating, crackling or popping sounds and sensations under the skin in the shoulder area; a decrease in the range of motion of the affected shoulder; and a loss of strength in the joint. PAGCL is usually diagnosed with an x-ray showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space and can cause life-long disability.
The usual treatment for PAGCL is more surgery. For some patients, arthroscopic surgery is not an option and the patient must undergo a more painful open procedure, known as arthoplasty. Athroplasty reconstructs the shoulder using metal and plastic parts to replace the damaged shoulder joint and is a major surgery, which may require a great deal of recovery time. Despite this treatment, many patients never regain full use of their shoulder joint. Patients who are contemplating shoulder surgery need to be aware of this potential complication.
Do you have a potential claim?
If you or a loved one is suffering from PAGCL after using a pain pump, you should know that many lawsuits have already been filed against the manufacturers. Please contact one of our Indiana Class Action lawyers to discuss your potential claim and possible lawsuit.
