Shoulder Pain Pump Frequently Asked Questions

A shoulder pain pump is a medical device that delivers local anesthetics directly into the shoulder joint for pain management following surgery.

However, the device has recently been subject to litigation after reports linked shoulder pain pump usage to Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL), which is an injury characterized by the deterioration of cartilage around the joint.

What is PACGL?

PAGCL is a condition in which the cartilage located within the shoulder joint begins to deteriorate. This typically occurs after an individual has had surgery on the affected shoulder. The condition generally affects the glenohumeral joint, which is the joint at the end of the shoulder comprised of the socket of the shoulder blade and the ball of the arm bone. As the cartilage begins to deteriorate, the individual starts to experience the complications associated with the disorder.

What are symptoms of PACGL?

Those that suffer from PACGL may have some or all of the following symptoms:

Pain when shoulder is in motion or at rest
Shoulder stiffness
Popping or grinding when shoulder is in motion
Decrease in range of motion
A loss of strength in the joint

What manufacturers are involved in pain pump lawsuits?

At least 28 different corporations and medical providers are named as defendants in the various lawsuits, including Stryker Corp., I-Flow Corp., Smith & Nephew, Inc., DePuy, Inc., DJO, Inc., Breg, Inc. and AstraZeneca PLC, to name a few. The largest are I-Flow, located in California, and Stryker, located in Michigan.

Consult a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has developed cartilage damage or PAGCL following arthroscopic surgery, you should contact an attorney to find out whether you are eligible for compensation for your injuries.