ABOUT POST-ARTHROSCOPIC GLENOHUMEROL CHONDROLYSIS

Post-Arthroscopic Glenohumerol Chondrolysis, or “PAGCL”, is a serious condition that leads to the deterioration of shoulder cartilage and the narrowing of the joint space in the shoulder. Recent studies have shown that this condition is caused by the insertion of a catheter in the shoulder after surgery, and can result in increased pain, loss of movement, and eventually, the need for more extensive joint replacement surgery. 

Arthroscopic surgery uses a technology of photographing the joint with tiny cameras inserted through small incisions. It was designed to be less invasive and to avoid lengthy, more “open” surgical procedures. This technology is frequently used in shoulder surgery. Some examples of shoulder joint problems include rotator cuff tendon tears, impingement syndrome, and recurrent dislocations; in all of these it is becoming more and more common to turn to arthroscopic surgery. 

However, it has also become common during arthroscopic surgery to insert intra-articular pain pumps into the joint. These flexible plastic catheters deliver pain medication directly to the site being operated on, most often with a combination of painkillers bupivacaine and Epinephrine. These pain pumps and the medication they deliver have been linked to PAGCL, a potentially devastating condition. 

If you or a loved one has undergone arthroscopic surgery, and been treated with these pumps, you should contact Douglas & London and speak with an attorney immediately. Our legal and medical experts can be reached by calling (212) 566-7500, or by writing to info@douglasandlondon.com.