Pain Pump Injuries - Shoulder Surgeries Can Cause Lifetime Disability
March 27th, 2008 amy
Intra-articular pain pumps used in shoulder surgeries can cause a lifetime’s worth of pain, even permanent disability. The pain pump catheter, placed into the shoulder joint during the surgery, can cause deterioration of the cartilage — a condition called Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). In 2006, one study found that 12 patients out of 152 developed PAGCL.
Symptoms of PAGCL include shoulder pain (in motion or at rest), popping or grinding when in motion, decreased range of motion, and/or loss of strength at the joint. PAGCL can generally be diagnosed by x-raying the joint. Treatment usually includes further surgery, although many patients with PAGCL remain in chronic pain and never get the full use of their shoulders back.
