What is a Shoulder Pain Pump or Pain Ball?

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.

What is PAGCL (Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis)?

PAGCL is characterized by a degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, causing a substantial reduction in the shoulder’s range of motions.  PAGCL patients experience severe pain or tenderness in the shoulder area, shoulder stiffness or weakness, or a grinding or popping sensation in the shoulder joint. These side effects typically do not appear immediately but rather appear months after surgery when the patient should be completely healed.   

PAGCL can be extremely painful and permanent.  There is no known cure or effective treatment.  Some patients may be able to control their pain and other symptoms with analgesics and/or other drugs such as anti-inflammatory medicines, but they may have to take these medications indefinitely.  If pain medication is not sufficient to help a PAGCL sufferer, a replacement of the entire shoulder joint may be necessary. 

What is the Lawsuit About?

Cardinal Health has issued a recall for the Alaris Infusion Pump model 8100 (also known as the Medley Pump). This recall is due to manufacturing defects. These infusion pumps were used to deliver controlled amounts of medication. The recall applies to devices shipped before September 27, 2007. The recall applies to over 200,000 devices worldwide. The FDA has classified the action as a Class 1 recall, as the use of these pumps involves a reasonable probability of serious injury or death. The manufacturers of these devices failed to warn patients about the possible risks and serious dangers associated with these pumps.

These side effects typically become present after several months and can lead to irreversible and permanent deterioration of cartilage in the shoulder joint. Some of the symptoms include:

• Stiffness
• Clicking
• Lingering Severe Pain
• Grinding
• Popping
• Reduced Range of Motion

The damage to the shoulder is permanent, and some of the worst cases have resulted in the complete removal of the shoulder joint and installation of a prosthetic shoulder.

The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has denied a petition to consolidate all of the federal lawsuits. There are over 27 different corporations and providers named as defendants across the country, and that number is growing. Thousands of people across the country have been affected. Lawsuits are pending against the companies that manufacture, market or distribute the pain pumps. Plaintiffs are claiming that the manufacturers failed to warn or instruct the medical community about the safety of using the pumps, or that they may cause permanent injury.

Who Pays for My Attorney Fees?

These cases are being handled on a contingency fee basis which means you don't owe  any attorney fees unless we make a recovery for you. 

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.  Our team of lawyers are handling cases nationwide.  Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.  Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or click here to fill out our Free Case Consultation Form online.