Scientific evidence has suggested that the use of intra-particular pain pump catheters temporarily implanted in the shoulder during surgery could possibly be linked to a serious injury know as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL), an extremely painful condition which involve deterioration of cartilage in the shoulder joint.

Pain pumps are implanted into the shoulder during arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is supposed to carry less risk and involve less pain than open procedures. Ideally, arthroscopic surgery should mean a quicker recovery. Still, these surgeries do require pain killers. For years, surgeons have favored the intra-articular pain pump for this type of pain management. These flexible plastic catheters deliver pain medication directly to the joint, and can extend the effectiveness of other shoulder numbing agents for up to 48 hours.

Sadly, this pain relief often comes at a terrible price. Recent studies have found these pumps to be highly associated with PAGCL. This association was greatest when the intra-articular pain pumps were used to deliver a combination of the painkillers bupivacaine and epinephrine to the shoulder joint. It is possible that the high concentration of these painkillers has some association with this problem.

Symptoms of PAGCL include pain at the shoulder when it is in motion or at rest; increased shoulder stiffness; popping or grinding when the shoulder is in motion; decrease in range of motion; and a loss of strength in the joint. 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.

The only treatment for PAGCL is more surgery. Unfortunately, arthroscopic surgery is usually not an option, and the patient must undergo a more painful open procedure. Despite treatment, many patients never regain full use of their shoulder joint. Patients who are contemplating shoulder surgery need to be aware of this potential complication.

 **CLICK HERE FOR FREE CASE EVALUATION**