Frequently Asked Questions About Chondrolysis
What is Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL)?
PAGCL, or simply, chondrolysis, is a loss or breakdown in the cartilage in the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint following shoulder surgery. This condition is caused by the use of an intra-articular pain pump catheter (a tiny, flexible plastic tube) implanted in the shoulder joint by the surgeon during the shoulder surgery. The pain pump stays in place for usually two to three days after surgery to deliver pain relief drugs (such as Marcaine or Bupivacaine) to the shoulder joint. The anesethics drugs kill the cartilage cells resulting in a permanent de
What causes chondrolysis?
Chondrolysis was caused by the use of a pain pump immediately after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Because surgeons no longer use pain pumps in shoulder joints, the incidence of chondrolysis has stopped.
Who is most likely to develop this complication?
Chondrolysis does not discriminate. Athletes as young as 15 as well as elderly people with compromised health have reported this extremely painful condition after arthroscopic surgery.
Does chondrolysis only affect shoulder joints?
No. Post-operative cartilage loss can affect other joints in the body, including the knees, ankles and hip. Wherever there is cartilage in a joint, chondrolysis can occur. Many patients have reported pain pump induced chondrolysis of the knee.
What are some of the symptoms of shoulder chondrolysis?
- Inability to lift one’s arm above the shoulder
- Inability to life objects weighing more than a few pounds
- Inability to sleep through the night without waking from pain
- Decreased range of motion
- Loss of strength in the joint
How is chondrolysis diagnosed?
Chondrolysis is usually diagnosed with an x-ray or MRI showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space and a disintegration of the shoulder cartilage. Chondrolysis is the most common complication that can follow shoulder surgeries where a pain pump was used, and it can cause life-long disability and pain.
How is chondrolysis treated?
The only treatment for chondrolysis is more surgery. Those patients who have lost most or all of their cartilage will require shoulder replacement surgery, usually with plastic and metal parts.
Is there any action being taken against the manufacturers of pain pumps?
Hundreds of lawsuits are pending against the companies that manufacture, market or distribute the pain pumps, including Stryker, DJO Inc., I-Flow Inc., BREG Inc. and others. Included among the many claims in the lawsuits are the allegations that the manufacturers failed to instruct or warn the medical community that the safe use of the pain pumps in the shoulder joint space had not been established or that the continuous injections of commonly used anesthetics may cause permanent injury.
I think I may have chondrolysis. What should I do?
Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with PAGCL following the implantation of a pain pump should seek medical attention immediately. Ask your doctor whether your x-ray or MRI films should cartilage loss or a narrowing of the joint space. If you do not have a recent MRI or x-ray, you should insist on one if you believe you may be a victim of pain pump induced shoulder chondrolysis.
Should I contact a lawyer?
If you or a loved one has experienced cartilage damage following your use of a pain pump, you should contact our law offices immediately. You may be entitled to compensation.
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