PAGCL Frequently Asked Questions
What is Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL)?
PAGCL is a loss or breakdown in the cartilage in the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint following shoulder surgery. This condition is associated with 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 several days after surgery to deliver pain medication (such as Marcaine or Bupivacaine) to the shoulder joint.
What causes PAGCL?
This is a relatively new condition that doctors and scientists are still researching. However, PAGCL is believed to be caused by the use of a pain pump immediately after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Who is most likely to develop this complication?
PAGCL does not discriminate. Athletes as young as 18 as well as elderly people with compromised health have reported this extremely painful condition after arthroscopic surgery.
Does PAGCL only affect shoulder joints?
No. Post-operative cartilage loss can affect other joints in the body, including the knees, ankles and hip.
What are some of the symptoms of PAGCL?
- Pain at the shoulder, whether at rest or in motion
- Increased shoulder stiffness
- Popping or grinding when the shoulder is in motion
- Decreased range of motion
- Loss of strength in the joint
How is PAGCL diagnosed?
PAGCL is usually diagnosed with an x-ray showing the narrowing of the shoulder joint space. PAGCL is one of the most common complications that can follow shoulder surgeries, and it can cause life-long disability.
How is PAGCL treated?
The only treatment for PAGCL is more surgery. Patients who have not lost all of their cartilages say they feel better with the use of anti-inflammatory medications. 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?
Numerous 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 U.S. 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 PAGCL. What should I do?
Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with PAGCL following the implantation of a pain pump should seek medical attention immediately. There are currently several lawsuits pending against the manufacturers of the most popular pain pumps, including Stryker, DJO Inc., I-Flow Inc. and BREG Inc.
Should I contact a lawyer?
If you or a loved one has experienced cartilage damage and pain due to PAGCL, or have been injured by an intra-articular pain pump, you should contact our law offices immediately. You may be entitled to compensation.
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Patients who are suffering from PAGCL after shoulder surgery may
be entitled to legal compensation. Free Claim Review