Pain Pumps are typically used by patients who have undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The pumps are used to assist in recovery and help to manage pain by releasing controlled amounts of local anesthetics to the surgical site. Pain pumps are manufactured and distributed by several companies including Stryker, Smith & Nephew, Inc., DePuy, Inc, DJO Inc., BREG Inc., and I-Flow Inc.

Pain Pump use has been linked to a painful condition known as PAGCL (Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis). PAGCL occurs when the shoulder cartilage begins to deteriorate, which promotes permanent pain and loss of mobility. Some of the worst cases have resulted in the complete removal of the shoulder joint and installation of a prosthetic shoulder.

Pain Pump use can cause cartilage deterioration and destruction by releasing too much medicine. These injuries can leave patients incapacitated, and in need of long term care. Symptoms include grinding, clicking and popping of the shoulder, stiffness or weakness, and decreased range of motion and use of the shoulder. 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.

Hundreds 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. 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 including AstraZeneca PLC, Breg Inc., DJO Inc., DePuy and Breg, Inc., I-Flow, Smith and Nephew Inc., Stryker Corp.

The most commonly used devices include (this is only a partial list): Donjoy?, Stryker?, PainPump Blockaid ?, I-Flow ?, On-Q Painbuster ?, and Accufuser Plus Pain Pump ?

Due to manufacturing defects, Cardinal Health has issued a recall for the Alaris Infusion Pump model 8100 (also known as the Medley Pump). These devices 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.

In July 2008, the United States Judicial Panel on MDL (Multi District Litigation) denied a motion to consolidate the lawsuits. Therefore, cases are being considered on an individual basis.

These pumps have affected people throughout the United States. Arthroscopic surgery is generally considered a relatively safe procedure. The manufacturers failed to warn about the risks associated with these Pain Pumps and should be held accountable for any harm they have caused. The people who have suffered injuries should be treated fairly and compensated for their losses (whether it is for bills, lost wages, loss of quality of life and independence, or pain and suffering).