Chondrolysis is the loss of articular cartilage caused by a destruction of the cartilage matrix and cells.

Patients who have undergone arthroscopic surgery will generally feel a much needed improvement. However, if they used a shoulder pain pump in order to regulate pain they might end up feeling much worse in the long term.

The shoulder pain pump was engineered to deliver medicine into the body to reduce pain after artroscopic surgery. Recent advancements in the pain pump are designed to deliver a larger dosage of medicine which has lead many patients to experience cartilage loss. Thousands of patients have experienced shoulder damage and cartilage loss while over 500 individuals have joined a class action lawsuit against the pump makers. I-Flow and Stryker are the primary defendants of the class action lawsuit and deny any allegations that the damage was caused by their product.

A study by The American Journal of Sports Medicine (July 2007) linked shoulder pain pumps to Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). The study revealed that of the 19 patients who used the pain pumps, 12 of them were diagnosed with the destructive condition. PAGCL refers to the break down of cartilage in the glenohumeral shoulder joint following arthroscopic surgery. The break down of the cartilage causes deterioration and the patient typically experiences severe pain and stiffness in the joint. Cases have been reported in which the patient has completely lost use of their shoulder.

During arthroscopic surgery, the doctor makes small incisions to insert a thin long wire which pumps pain medication into the glenohumeral joint. Patients typically receive bupivacaine and epinephrine which are pumped directly into the shoulder joint. Research has speculated that the cause of PAGCL is linked to a high concentration of these medicines being pumped into the surgery site. Shoulder cartilage is needed in order to retain full motion of the glenohumeral joint. Cartilage breakdown from PAGCL causes the shoulder joint to no longer move smoothly while resulting in pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

PAGCL Symptoms Include:

- Pain in the surgery site area
- Difficulty in shoulder movement
- Clicking, popping, or grinding
- Stiffness or pain
- Reduced strength

Persons affected by PAGCL may require repeat surgical procedures. Many patients who have developed PAGCL may require shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) in which the shoulder joint is replaced with metal or plastic mechanics. It is not uncommon for patients to require physical therapy following surgery.

If you have developed PAGCL after using a shoulder pain pump after surgery contact our law firm today. Our shoulder pain pump lawsuit will provide you with the compensation you deserve after becoming a victim of shoulder pain pumps and PAGCL. Fill out our contact form today to request your free, no obligation consultation with one of our pain pump lawyers or call (800) 732-3070.