Shoulder pain pumps linked to irreversible cartilage damage

A recent study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine identified intra-articular pain pump catheters as the likely cause of irreversible cartilage damage and a condition known as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Condrolysis (or PAGCL). PAGCL is the deterioration of the cartilage within the shoulder joint following the use of a pain pump during arthroscopic shoulder surgery. This is an extremely painful condition that causes permanent disability and has no known cure. Numerous lawsuits are pending in the United States against various companies regarding inadequate warnings and safety information of using pain pumps in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.