What Is Shoulder Chondrolysis?

Shoulder chondrolysis, also known as post arthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL), is a somewhat new condition that refers to the cartilage of the shoulder deteriorating after arthroscopic surgical procedures.

This condition can be quite devastating, causes severe discomfort and pain, and can limit the shoulder on a permanent basis. There are no treatments at this time that are known to be effective in repairing the cartilage damage, and many patients are faced with having to undergo another surgical procedure referred to as glenohumeral arthoplasty, or a shoulder replacement.

To make matters even worse, the main cause of shoulder chondrolysis has been tied to the use of intra articular pain pumps. These pumps are designed to administer medication to the joint of the shoulder after an arthroscopic surgical procedure.

The joint that comprises the shoulder is very unique and moves in more directions than any other joint within the entire body. If the shoulder does not have the proper amount of cartilage needed it cannot move and function in the proper manner, and it cannot operate without pain and discomfort. Because of this, the loss of cartilage that cannot be repaired due to the condition known as glenohumeral chondrolysis has serious implications.

The condition of post arthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL) was first recognized in medical journals as a condition that develops suddenly over the course of the months following arthroscopic surgery. After several months of patients being monitored for expected improvement in their situation, those who developed PAGCL experienced the pain roughly three to twelve months after the procedure was done.

The most common symptoms of PAGCL include the following: pain in the shoulder either when moving or when still, and in some cases both; popping in the shoulder; grinding in the shoulder; clicking in the shoulder; shoulder stiffness; a decrease in the range of motion in the shoulder; weakness in the shoulder.

Studies have asserted that the new pain that is associated with the condition of PAGCL is not reported for a few months after the surgery because until that time there is a great deal of protection is in place for the shoulder, and there is a limited amount of use for the joint after the surgery.

It is not until three months time has passed that more strenuous activities and exercises can begin, leading to the reports of symptoms due to the lack of cartilage. Most of the cases of PAGCL develop within three to five months post surgery, with a few cases not surfacing for a year or more.

It is quite common for a disposable shoulder pain pump to be placed into use after arthroscopic shoulder surgical procedures. This device sends medication directly into the joint of the shoulder in an effort to keep pain at bay. To date, there have been a number or research reports that have confirmed the link between the use of these disposable pain pumps to the development of the condition of post arthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis.

These cases are quite disturbing on a number of levels, especially since patients trusted that these pain devices were safe and would help them to recover, not cause irreparable damage. To make matters even worse, it is currently debated just how much the manufacturer of the pain pump knew, and how much research or how many warnings were not adequately provided to consumers as well as medical professionals.

Drug manufacturers owe the public whom they serve a particular duty of care. This duty of care assures consumers that they have conducted adequate research, have run trials, and have complied with all FDA guidelines for safety prior to the medication or device hitting the market. Any time this duty of cares is breached, the manufacturer can be, and should be held accountable for any damage that has been done, and all injuries that were suffered.

If you or someone you know has suffered cartilage damage to the shoulder because of using a shoulder pain pump for pain management following an arthroscopic surgical procedure, you may be entitled to file a post arthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis lawsuit and seek compensation. You should not delay in seeking legal advice regarding how to proceed with your claim.

A personal injury attorney who specializes in the area of medical negligence and malpractice is extremely skilled in managing these cases, and will be able to review your details to assess the validity of your case. There are a number of personal lawsuits, as well as class action lawsuits pending that involve shoulder chondrolysis issues, so it is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney promptly.

These types of cases can be quite complex, involve a large amount of evidence, and hinge many small details. Because of this, it is not recommended that you attempt to file a claim of this nature on your own without professional guidance. A personal injury attorney will handle every aspect of your case, from start to finish, and will work on your behalf to seek compensation for the injuries you have suffered.

Since most personal injury attorneys work on contingency basis, you have no worries about how to pay for your claim as it progresses through the system. You will not have to pay anything until the time your case settles.

PAGCL and the issues it causes patients is quite serious and one that needs to be addressed. The manufacturer of the pain pumps that led to people all over the United States needlessly suffering needs to be held accountable, and needs to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for their failure to warn the public as to this painful, debilitating, and devastating side effect.

While a personal injury attorney cannot undo the damage that has been done, he or she can help you to obtain monetary compensation for your injuries to help cover past, present, and future medical bills associated with your injuries. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages which are meant to punish the responsible party in an effort to deter future similar acts.


Article Source: Chris N. Jackson