Canadian Shoulder Pain Pumps

In 2006, the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported that post-operative pain pumps are the likely cause of a condition called chondrolysis, also known as PAGCL (Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis). Dr. Charles Beck, a well-respected orthopedic surgeon, recently co-authored an article stating that these devices can cause permanent and debilitating damage to the shoulder.

Thousands of patients throughout Canada and the US have used these devices, but Dr. Beck says that "hundreds appear to be at risk for this complication which results in severe pain, debilitating stiffness and eventual joint replacement surgery for many of those affected." The results of Dr. Beck's study were sent to the manufacturers with no response.

Lawsuits are currently being filed against the companies that manufacture, market or distribute the pain pumps, alleging that the manufacturers failed to instruct or warn the Canadian medical community that the safety of using the pain pumps in the shoulder joint has not been established, and that the continuous injection of commonly used anesthetics by these devices may cause permanent injury.

An intra-articular pain pump catheter, which is a disposable small and flexible plastic tube, is surgically implanted in the shoulder joint and left for a few days after surgery to deliver pain medication to that area. The pump is designed to deliver fast pain relief. However, some patients are also developing PAGCL-- a progressive loss of cartilage of the glenohumeral joint the joint that joins the arm and shoulder. The head of the arm bone, which connects to the joint, is covered in articular cartilage, which allows the shoulder joint to move smoothly. If this cartilage is damaged or destroyed the shoulder cannot move easily. It will cause significant pain and reduced range of motion.

The symptoms of PAGCL are:

• Increased pain in the shoulder at rest and with motion
• Increased stiffness in the shoulder
• Clicking, popping or grinding (Crepitus) in the shoulder
• Decrease in range of motion in the shoulder
• Loss of strength
• Joint space narrowing as shown on an x-ray

PAGCL is usually diagnosed with an x-ray showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space. Treatment for this condition is further surgery; however, many patients never regain full use of their shoulder joint.

If you've had arthroscopic shoulder surgery and are experiencing any of the above symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately. And you may have a claim against the manufacturers of shoulder pain pumps.

Canadian Shoulder Pain Pump Articles

Shoulder Pain Pumps: Canadians Investigate Lawsuits
Canadian patients who have been injured by defective shoulder pain pumps are now investigating the possibility of a lawsuit against the makers of these pain pumps. The potential plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers of the pumps failed to properly warn them about possible risks associated with the pumps. A major risk of using the shoulder pain pumps is the development of Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis.

Defective Canadian Shoulder Pain Pump
"LawyersandSettlements interviewed Canadian lawyer David Klein of Klein Lyons, Vancouver regarding the lawsuits his firm is filing against the makers of shoulder pain pumps.

Shoulder Pain Pump: Canadian Patients May Have PAGCL
Given that not many people in the US know about the risk of injury associated with shoulder pain pumps, it seems reasonable that not many people in Canada would know about that risk either. However, there is a very real risk of a serious side effect likely caused by using a shoulder pain pump after arthroscopic surgery. That risk is Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL).

Canadian Shoulder Pain Pump Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered damages in this case, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer to evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.