Shoulder Pain Pump Litigation – Arthroscopic Surgery

What is a shoulder pain pump?

A shoulder pain pump is an intra-articular pain pump that is implanted into the shoulder of a patient during arthroscopic shoulder surgery and its purpose is postoperative pain management.  The pump is a flexible plastic catheter that typically contains Marcaine (Bupivacaine) or Xylocaine (Lidocaine) and may contain Epinephrine.  It delivers the pain medication directly to the joint or in close proximity to the surgical site for up to three days, and it can be removed by the patient when the pump is no longer needed.

What is Arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure orthopedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.  In an arthroscopic examination, the surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and then inserts pencil-sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. The arthroscope is attached to a miniature television camera, allowing the surgeon to see the interior of the joint through this very small incision rather than a large incision needed for surgery.  The television camera displays the image of the joint, allowing the surgeon to see the cartilage, ligaments, and other parts of the joint. The surgeon can then determine the amount or type of injury and then repair or correct the problem, if necessary.  The obvious advantage of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up. Instead, only two small incisions are made for the arthroscope itself and for the necessary surgical instruments.  Because it is less invasive, arthroscopy should carry less risk, involve less pain and reduce recovery time.  However, pain killers are still required.  For pain management, surgeons have used the intra-articular pain pump. 

Shoulder pain pump use has been linked to a painful condition known as PAGCL, which occurs when the shoulder cartilage begins to deteriorate.  Some shoulder pain pumps are defective because they release too much medicine, and can leave patients incapacitated and permanently injured.

Shoulder Pain Pump Litigation is taking place across the country against the companies that have manufactured, marketed or distributed the pumps.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a Shoulder Pain Pump after arthroscopic surgery, you may have a claim.  Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.  Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or fill out our Free Case Consultation Form online.

Shoulder Pain Pump Litigation – Arthroscopic Surgery