The use of pain pumps after shoulder surgery has been linked to a painful condition known as Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis, or PAGCL. It occurs when the cartilage between the humeral head and the glenoid (in the shoulder area) has broken down to the point where bone meets bone. It’s a debilitating condition as this 28 year old physical therapist explained when she used a pain pump after surgery to repair an unstable shoulder:

I use to find a great sense of satisfaction in helping others in need of rehabilitation. Now I can no longer do the job I loved because it requires physical strength and abilities I no longer have.

What studies have reported

An increasing number of patients who used a pain pump after shoulder surgery are coming forward saying they have been diagnosed with PAGCL. Studies have shown that the two may be directly related, although because the injury isn’t well known, many doctors may be incorrectly diagnosing PAGCL with other common shoulder injuries.

Two major studies, one done by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in 2006 and another by Dr. Charles Beck published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2007 have both concluded that pain pumps may be directly related to PAGCL. Experts say that the manufactures have been aware of the correlation between pain pumps and PAGCL for several years now. However, they haven’t done very much about it. As a result, countless numbers of lawsuits have been brought against pain pump manufactures such as Stryker, DJO Inc., I-Flow and BREG Inc.

What patients have reported

According to one law firm who specializes in these types of cases, patients have reported feeling helpless after being diagnosed with PAGCL. Here are a few of their comments:

• Twenty-six year old male who used a pain pump after shoulder surgery to repair a football injury in high school:

  My dad had dreams of retiring soon. I always imagined I would someday take over the family poultry farm. Now I can’t put in a full day’s work and my dad has had to hire someone else. It breaks my heart to think I am letting him down.

• Eighteen year old woman who had a pain pump installed following surgery to repair a torn labrum (in the shoulder joint):

  I used to play softball at a very competitive level. My dad coached the team and we were very close. Now I am in constant pain and I can’t play anymore. I lost my scholarship, I lost contact with my friends on the team and my dad and I aren’t as close anymore. I miss it terribly.

• Sixty-two year old woman who used a pain pump after routine surgery to repair her rotator cuff:

  I used to love ballroom dancing. Dancing was such a big part of my life, but now it’s just too painful. My biggest fear though is that I may never be able work again. I am my family’s sole source of income.

  Seek the advice of counsel

  If you developed PAGCL after using a pain pump when recovering from shoulder surgery, contact an attorney who understands how this type of litigation works. To contact an attorney, click here.