Free Case Evaluation
Stryker, a global medical technology firm headquartered in Kalamazoo Michigan, is one of several companies that manufacture pain pumps – infusion devices designed to deliver controlled amounts of local anesthetics to patients for post-operative pain management. However, studies have shown that using pain pumps after shoulder surgery are likely to cause PAGCL (Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis) – a condition that can lead to extreme pain, lifelong suffering and can be permanent.
A closer look at Stryker’s pain pumps
Stryker markets three different pain pumps, the ‘Pain Pump I’, the ‘Pain Pump 2’ and the ‘Pain Pump 2 BlockAid’. According to the company’s website (www.stryker.com), Stryker’s pain pumps deliver medication directly to the surgical wound site or in close proximity to the nerves associated with the surgical area. The pumps infuse medication at an hourly flow rate or combination of an hourly flow rate and controlled bolus (extra) doses. Here’s a closer look at each product:
- PainPump I: A portable, single use, disposable pain management device that helps deliver a continuous, controlled infusion of local anesthetic to the surgical site.
- PainPump 2: A programmable, portable, single use, disposable pain management system that provides a continuous, surgeon-controlled infusion of local anesthetics to the surgical site. Bolus feature helps patients take charge of their pain management.
- PainPump 2 BlockAid: A programmable, portable, single use and disposable pain management device that continuously flows local anesthetic and narcotics in close proximity to nerves associated with the surgical area for postoperative regional anesthesia. This mode of pain management has been clinically proven to significantly reduce pain and length of stay in orthopedic surgery.
Additional information on Stryker’s pain pumps may be obtained from the company’s website, by contacting them at 1-877-848-5756 or by using the following links:
What is PAGCL?
According to recent studies, pain pumps have been linked to a condition known as PAGCL, or Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis. PAGCL is a painful condition caused by the deterioration of cartilage (a dense connective tissue that, among other things, allows movement in joints) around the shoulder area.
Symptoms of PAGCL include:
- Decreased range of motion
- Clicking, popping or grinding of the shoulder (called Crepitus)
- Shoulder stiffness or weakness
- Shoulder pain whether in motion or at rest
- A narrowing of the joint space in the shoulder area (which will be detected on an x-ray)
Two recent studies* concluded that pain pumps, such as the models manufactured by Stryker, may be directly related to PAGCL. In some cases, patients have had to undergo arthoplasty – a procedure which reconstructs the shoulder using metal and plastic parts to replace the damaged shoulder joint. Although the Food and Drug Administration has not yet recalled the pain pumps, many lawsuits have already been filed against manufacturers and legal experts say that many more will likely follow.
*1) October 2007 issue of American Journal of Sports Medicine in October 2007 (by Dr. Charles Beck); 2) 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
If you have developed PAGCL after using a pain pump, contact a qualified attorney whose practice focuses on pain pump issues. To contact an attorney for a free, no obligation consultation, please click here.
