Implanted in to the shoulder joint during surgery, intra-articular pain pumps are becoming more commonly used in the medical field as a solution to pain management. The pain pumps have been recently linked to a very painful condition called Post-arthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL).

Arthroscopic surgery was designed to be less invasive of the human body, it consists of two small incisions, one for surgical tools, and the other for a camera to view the surgery site. Not only is recovery time faster, but the body is open to fewer complications without an open surgery site.

Pain pumps work up to 72 hours following an arthroscopic surgical procedure of the shoulder. It is a disposable pump that delivers pain medication directly to the surgery site. This direct method of pain relief negates the negative side effects that are often felt after surgery with the uses of various narcotics and pain killers.

PAGCL Condition

PAGCL is the severe damage of the cartilage of the shoulder. Believed to be linked to the high dosages of numbing medications that are heavily administered following the procedure, the damage caused is thought to be irreversible. Additionally, the only solution to PAGCL as of yet is to have shoulder replacement surgery. Medications that assist with pain are believed only to worsen the symptoms and possess not long term value in regard treatment or cure. PAGCL begins to develop as early as 2 months after surgery, up until a year following the arthroscopic procedure.

Brand Names of Shoulder Pumps.

These pumps can be found under brand names such as the Stryker Pain Pump, in addition to the I-Flow On-Q Pump. These manufacturers are under heavy scrutiny from the medical world, as well as thousands of affected patients.

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A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that the use of intra-articular pain pump catheters after shoulder surgery appears to cause permanent cartilage damage. The condition, which is known as postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis or PAGCL is a life altering condition that is extremely painful and affects the use of the shoulder. An intra-articular pain pump catheter is a tiny, flexible plastic tube that is implanted in the shoulder joint during surgery. The pain pump stays in place for several days after surgery to deliver pain medication, usually bupivacaine with epinephrine) to the shoulder joint.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Intra-articular pain pump catheters are now commonly used after arthroscopic shoulder surgeries. This type of surgery uses a tiny camera and allows surgeons to perform the surgery by making two tiny incisions. One incision is made for the camera and the other for the surgical instruments. The surgeon performs the surgery by viewing images on a monitor attached to the camera.

Intra-Articular Pain Pumps

Post surgery, patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder usually requires a regime of medication to manage their pain. Oral painkillers such as codeine and morphine are often prescribed, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and cox II inhibitors. However, these oral medications are often not enough to manage the post-surgical pain of arthroscopic shoulder surgery. To better manage the pain, a disposable pain pump is often used to pump pain medication directly into the shoulder joint through a catheter. The pain pump is typically used for the first two to three days after surgery and is removed directly by the patient.

Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis

New studies have revealed the use of the intra-articular pain pumps after shoulder can cause Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis or PAGCL. This may occur because the concentration of pain medication pumped directly into the shoulder is too high.

Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis destroys 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 resulting in significant pain and reduced range of motion. If you’ve had arthroscopic shoulder surgery and are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately:

• Continued shoulder pain


• Decreased range of motion


• Clicking, popping, or grinding


• Shoulder weakness

What Should I Do?

Have you or a loved one had should surgery and have been diagnosed with Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis?   Trust Bagolie Friedman Injury Lawyers to fight for your rights and obtain the justice you deserve. We offer aggressive representation and free consultations. We are personal injury and workers' compensation trial lawyers.

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