Defective Pain Pump Claims Lawyers

Mobile, Alabama

Shoulder Pain Pumps
A few pain-free days are hardly worth a lifetime of pain, but that is the bargain forced on some recipients of shoulder surgery who had an intra-articular pain pump inserted. These shoulder pumps are implanted during arthroscopic surgery to help alleviate pain following the procedure in the event that oral medications are insufficient. Since many patients also have adverse reactions to strong pain relievers, the shoulder pain pump seems like an ideal alternative.

These battery-operated, external pumps work by delivering medication straight to the joint. They can effectively numb the shoulder for up to 48 hours. The disposable pumps are only used for two to three days after surgery. Doctors consider them an efficient solution and insurance companies consider them a cheap solution, but for patients they are a dangerous solution.

PAGCL
Your tradeoff for the doctor's convenience and the insurance company's profit is that intra-articular pain pumps sometimes lead to Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). PAGCL is a condition where the shoulder's cartilage begins to deteriorate.

PAGCL is still a relatively new condition, but it is known to follow shoulder surgery, and the pain pumps seem to be the one unifying factor among cases. PAGCL can cause permanent mobility problems, cartilage is important for the mobility of any joint. Presently, the only way doctors know how to treat this painful condition is to perform more surgery, sometimes even joint replacement.

Painkiller Concentration Medical experts are beginning to suspect that the high concentration of painkillers is related to PAGCL. Shoulder pain pumps associated with PAGCL typically infuse pain relievers including lidocaine, epinephrine, and/or bupivacaine to the injured shoulder. The mechanism by which these pain relievers cause cartilage loss is still unknown.

A Popular Choice
Doctors and health insurance companies have promoted the shoulder pain pumps because they are convenient and cost-effective. It is easy for the doctor to insert the pump as part of the arthroscopic surgery, and easy to remove them later. Insurance companies have found the pumps cheaper than paying for ongoing pain medication. Because of these factors the use of these intra-articular pumps has grown rapidly.

Usually, symptoms of PAGCL didn't begin to show until five months to a year after surgery. Common symptoms include clicking, popping, or grinding in the joint; shoulder stiffness; pain and weakness, and a limited range of motion.

If you or a loved one have had arthroscopic shoulder surgery and are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact the PAGCL attorneys at Long & Waite today to learn your rights. We fight for the people of Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.