What is PAGCL? Hundreds of individuals across the country have used shoulder pain pumps after arthroscopic surgery to help manage pain. A study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that these pain pumps may deliver too much medicine, causing a serious condition known as PAGCL (Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis) or Shoulder Chondrolysis. PAGCL is characterized by a degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, causing a substantial reduction in the shoulder’s range of motion. 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 because there is not significant use of the shoulder joint after surgery. However, after several months have passed and the patient begins to resume normal activities, pain and other symptoms begin to develop. PAGCL can be extremely painful and permanent. There is no known cure or effective treatment, and many patients never regain full use of their shoulder again. Some patients may be able to control their pain and other symptoms with analgesics (pain medication or pain killers) 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. Shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) involves replacing the shoulder joint with metal and plastic components. This can be a costly and painful procedure. It can also impair an individuals’ ability to earn an income and enjoy a good quality of life. What Should I Do? If you are contemplating shoulder surgery, you need to be aware of these potential risks associated with these pain pumps and should discuss your concerns with your doctor before undergoing the procedure. If you have already undergone the procedure, and you believe that you are suffering from PAGCL, you should contact your doctor immediately to determine whether or not the shoulder cartilage has deteriorated (this is usually done by taking an x-ray of the shoulder). You should also contact a PAGCL attorney to evaluate whether or not you have a case against the corporation that manufactured the pain pump. Attorneys are alleging that some of the corporations knew about the risks of PAGCL associated with the pain pumps, but kept the information secret. Two major studies have been out for several years warning about this problem (the study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine was published in 2007, and another paper was presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in 2006). In many of the procedures, the pain pumps were used in a way that was never approved by the FDA. I’m nervous about starting a lawsuit, what is involved and how much does it cost? Pain Pump and PAGCL lawyers provide free, no obligation consultations. They typically take the cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay any money up front. There are no legal fees, unless and until the attorney makes a recovery for you. If you have used a pain pump and are suffering from shoulder stiffness, popping and clicking, grinding, or decreased range of motion, you may have a claim. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible because you don’t want to run into any statute of limitations problems (statute of limitations are time limits for filing your case). Keep in mind that each state has a different set of guidelines which determine how long you have to file. Some of these factors can include: the state where the injury occurred, the type of injury sustained, the state where the lawsuit is filed, and the age of the person bringing the lawsuit. Remember, every state is different. If Pain Pump or PAGCL lawsuits are not filed before the statutory deadline you may lose the right to bring a claim altogether.
What is PAGCL? Hundreds of individuals across the country have used shoulder pain pumps after arthroscopic surgery to help manage pain. A study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that these pain pumps may deliver too much medicine, causing a serious condition known as PAGCL (Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis) or Shoulder Chondrolysis.
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Greg White is author of this article on PAGCL Shoulder Replacement. Find more information about PAGCL Attorney here.
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