Damage Caused by Pain Pumps

Recent studies have identified intra-articular pain pumps as the likely cause of a condition known as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). This is a devastating condition that can cause severe pain, stiffness, and other problems in the affected shoulder, along with limitations on range of motion, reduced strength and the need for constant medication. It is not uncommon that patients afflicted with PAGCL may require repeat surgical procedures and, ultimately, shoulder joint replacement surgery.

The Role Of Pain Pumps In Causing PAGCL

For many years, shoulder injuries were repaired using arthroscopic techniques, where small incisions are made into the injured area and repair is done through the use of small instruments inserted in one of the holes, guided by a fiber optic camera in another hole. Although arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, the post-operative pain is typically present. Up until recently, this pain was controlled through the use of oral or intravenous (IV) medications.

Recently, manufacturers have developed pain pumps, which are designed to deliver pain medication (typically bupivacaine and epinephrine) directly into the shoulder joint through a small plastic tube called a catheter.

Recent studies have identified high-flow intra-articular pain pumps as the likely cause of a catastrophic condition known as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). A number of other studies are underway to confirm these findings.

PAGCL

Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL) is an extremely painful and debilitating condition involving the deterioration of cartilage in the shoulder joint. Symptoms of PAGCL include severe pain whether the shoulder is moving or at rest, decrease in the range of motion, popping or grinding sensations and a significant loss of strength.

The only known treatment currently for PAGCL is additional surgery, including the possibility of shoulder joint replacement surgery. Subsequent surgeries typically cannot be done arthroscopically, and open procedures must be utilized, resulting in development of scar tissue and disfigurement. Often, patients are left disabled, and never fully regain use of their shoulder.

It is possible that the use of intra-articular pain pumps in other joints (such as the wrist, the ankle or the knee) can cause similar destruction of the cartilage.