When it comes to caring for orthopedic injuries, having an experienced specialist can make the difference between an efficient recovery and prolonged pain. If you are looking for an elbow surgeon near Lancaster, PA, look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik and our experienced orthopedic team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group.

Michael J. Bercik, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon dedicated to offering his patients advanced shoulder and elbow treatments to reduce pain and restore optimal movement. In order to learn the most modern techniques, Dr. Bercik completed two international fellowships under world-renowned professionals in his field. He studied under Dr. Gilles Walch at the renowned Centre Orthopédique Santy in France, followed by a fellowship with Professor Simon Bell at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre and Monash University. These fellowships allowed Dr. Bercik to think outside the box and combine new techniques with his medical education to offer his patients creative and unique treatment options.

In addition to fellowship experience, Dr. Bercik works to find new methods to treat ailments of the shoulder and elbow and bring patients even better results. He has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and maintains an active role in research and education. As the world of orthopedic traumatology continues to evolve, Dr. Bercik is dedicated to being at the forefront and pushing his skillset to offer patients the latest and most effective methods available.

Elbow Injuries Common in Children and Young Adults

Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow

Golfers and tennis players have a few things in common, one of which is the repetitive movements of the arm needed during the activity. Many children and young adults play sports such as these, often at a high-level requiring practice frequently. As you might imagine, this lends itself to similar overuse and inflammatory injuries. In fact, Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are incredibly similar, except for one difference—Golfer’s elbow tends to occur on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow typically occurs on the outside of the elbow.

Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow can lead to pain in other areas of the upper extremities, such as the forearm and wrist. It can also occur in people who do not play golf, but who use the same movements in their daily life. Surgical and non-surgical treatments are very similar between the two types of injuries, and non-surgical treatment options are often preferred unless symptoms are severe or persistent.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans, also referred to as OD, is most common in children and teenagers. While it typically affects the knee, OD can appear in the elbows as well. OD is caused by bone death due to lack of blood supply, leading to degeneration and fragmentation of the bone and cartilage. The first symptoms of this are typically pain, decreased motion, and weakness.

When OD occurs, surgical debridement is usually necessary to remove loose fragments in the joint. In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may also be necessary to prevent stunted growth. Orthopedic surgeons work with each case individually to determine the best course of treatment to promote the best recovery outcomes.

Ready to Begin?

Dr. Bercik is an experienced elbow surgeon who has been treating residents of Lancaster, PA, for years. He is dedicated to the success of his patients, and is committed to achieving the best outcomes. To schedule your first appointment, click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.