Understanding Shoulder Pain Pump Complaints

Portland, ORPatients were told that using a shoulder pain pump after surgery would ease their pain and make them more comfortable. However, some patients say they experienced far worse pain after using the shoulder pain pump than before. Lawsuits have now been filed alleging the shoulder pain pumps are responsible for debilitating pain in patients' shoulders.


At issue is a condition called postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL), a progressive loss of cartilage in the joint that joins the arm and the shoulder (called the glenohumeral joint). The head of the arm bone fits into a socket in the shoulder. The arm bone is covered by cartilage, which allows a person's arm to move freely and smoothly. A breakdown of that cartilage results in decreased mobility and severe pain.

Patients were given shoulder pain pumps following arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder. The pain pump allows pain medication to be delivered directly to the site of the surgery, which allows for better pain management than an oral painkiller.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons studied the charts of 152 patients, all of whom underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery, to determine a link between shoulder pain pumps and the development of PAGCL. Of the 12 who developed PAGCL, all had used a shoulder pain pump. It should be noted that the study sample size is small and therefore does not prove that the shoulder pain pump caused the PAGCL.

Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis is an irreversible condition. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, popping, clicking, grinding, loss of strength and a decrease in the range of motion in the shoulder.

Many patients are young athletes whose careers are cut short by the onset of PAGCL. According to an article in the New York Times on 1/26/10, chondrolysis has ended the athletic dreams of dozens of high school and college students. In some cases, patients have undergone joint replacement following use of a pain pump.

The New York Times reports that there are 150 lawsuits against the makers of shoulder pain pumps. Earlier this year, a jury awarded approximately $5.5 million in a chondrolysis lawsuit. I-Flow Corporation, maker of one of the shoulder pain pumps, says 80 lawsuits against the company have been dismissed.