Are you interested in shoulder replacement surgery? Residents of Lancaster, PA, should look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik and our experienced orthopedic team at Lancaster Orthopedics to find the best shoulder replacement surgeon.

Best Shoulder Replacement Surgeons Lancaster, PAWhen it comes to conditions of the shoulder and elbow, Dr. Michael Bercik has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to continually improving his craft. He has completed three fellowships to truly hone in on advanced techniques for complicated conditions, and the results of his patients speak for themselves.

Risks of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

While it is rare, sometimes shoulder replacement surgery may not lessen pain or alleviate all symptoms. This includes fully restoring the movement and strength of the joint. When this is the case, a second revision surgery may be necessary.

Possible (although rare) complications of shoulder replacement surgery include, but are not limited to:

  • Dislocation
  • Loose implant
  • Rotator cuff failure
  • Nerve damage
  • Fracture
  • Blood clots
  • Infection

How To Prepare for Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Before you have shoulder placement surgery, you will have a visit with your surgeon to evaluate the site and review symptoms. This will include a physical examination, an X-ray or other imaging procedure on the area of concern, and a review of your symptoms and experiences.

When you meet with your surgeon, you should ask questions such as:

  • What is the expected outcome of surgery?
  • How long will recovery take and what are the phases?
  • What kind of physical therapy will be needed?
  • Will activities be restricted? Which ones?
  • Will I be able to be independent during recovery?
  • What procedure do you recommend?
  • What are the options for pain management after surgery?

To assess whether you are prepared for surgery, members of the medical team will ask about your medical history, current medications, tobacco use, and other lifestyle factors that may affect your recovery. You may also meet with a physical therapist to do some pre-operative therapy and discuss what your routine will be after the procedure.

What To Expect with Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Before the procedure

Your surgeon will give you instructions about when to stop any medications, what to eat and when to stop eating before the procedure, water consumption, and bathing instructions.

During the procedure

When it is time for the procedure, one of the medical team members will discuss anesthesia and sedation options with you. While general anesthesia is often the most common type of sedation, in some cases only a nerve block may be necessary. The surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours.

After the procedure

Once the procedure is complete, you will rest in the recovery room for a few hours while the surgeon and medical team monitor you. You will also have imaging tests done to ensure the procedure corrected the problem. During this time, you will be expected to keep the shoulder immobilized.

Your surgeon will discuss your post-operative care with you and the timeline for your recovery. Generally, you will be able to leave the hospital on the same day.

Let’s Get Started!

Residents of Lancaster, PA, looking for the best shoulder replacement surgeons should look no further than Dr. Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedics. Whether you have a recent injury or have been experiencing symptoms over a long period of time, we can walk you through the steps from diagnosis to recovery. If you are ready to get started, contact us by scheduling your first appointment using the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.