Shoulder Pain Pump Placement – Intra-articular vs. Soft Tissue

By Michele Wallace

Published on November 19, 2009

Shoulder pain pumps are pain management devices that were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for placement in the soft tissue around the shoulder. Unfortunately, doctors have placed the pumps directly in the shoulder joint, an approach that can lead to debilitating destruction of cartilage on the surrounding area.

Patients that undergo arthroscopic surgery often have shoulder pain pumps placed following surgery to reduce pain and make the recovery period more comfortable. However, placement of the device in the shoulder joint (intra-articular placement) has been linked to the development of Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL). PAGCL is a painful condition that is caused by the deterioration of cartilage.

Three fairly recent studies have found a connection between intra-articular placement of shoulder pumps and cartilage destruction. A 2004 study showed that pumps placed in the shoulder joint release a potent level anesthetic focused in one area, posing a danger to cartilage. A 2006 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons study and a 2007 American Journal of Sports Medicine study also found an association between intra-articular placement of pain pumps and PAGCL.

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