Think you may have experienced a labral tear of the shoulder? Navigating through treatment options on your own can feel overwhelming, but at Lancaster Orthopedic Group, Dr. Michael Bercik and our team will work with you to determine the best steps during each stage of your recovery.

The shoulder is a key part of many everyday activities, and damage to this area can lead to severe limitations in daily life. Because of the complexity of the shoulder joint, working with a specialist is key to ensure you are utilizing the right shoulder treatment methods for you. Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has spent years developing his subspecialty in Shoulder & Elbow surgery, as well as Orthopaedic Traumatology. In addition to three fellowship programs, Dr. Bercik takes an active part in research and education in hopes of promoting the forward development of the orthopedic field.

Dr. Bercik has been recognized by several awards for his achievements in the field, including the Orthopaedic In-training Examination award for achieving the highest score in his residency program, along with the Mark D. Chilton award for outstanding patient care. Dr. Bercik has continually been recognized for the personal way in which he treats each patient. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, we pride ourselves on building a safe space and community where you can feel comfortable and confident in your recovery journey.

What Are Bankart Tears? 

Bankart tears are a common type of tear for younger athletes after a shoulder dislocation. This type of tear can result from a collision in contact sports such as football, basketball, or hockey. A dislocation happens when the humerus (upper arm bone) moves out of the shoulder socket and may involve a tear in the labrum, inferior glenohumeral ligament, or other soft tissue in the shoulder.

There are typically two types of shoulder dislocation associated with Bankart tears, anterior and posterior dislocation. Depending on the type of sport or activity you perform, one type of dislocation may be more likely than the other.

Anterior Dislocation: Bankart tears with anterior dislocation is the most common type of Bankart tear and involves the humerus moving out of the socket towards the front of the body. This typically results in a tear in the lower part of the labrum. Nonsurgical treatment is most common for this type of injury, but your orthopedic doctor will closely monitor your recovery to ensure treatment methods are proving effective.

Posterior Dislocation: When the humerus moves towards the back of the body, this can result in posterior dislocation. This is commonly seen in defensive linemen and bodybuilders who bench press. When this occurs, the back lower part of the labrum can tear. Nonsurgical treatment options are typically recommended first and braces may be used to speed healing and prevent further injury. If athletes with this injury are in off-season, surgery may be recommended.

Ready to Begin?

Pain in the shoulder can be from many causes and delaying treatment may result in a longer recovery time. This is especially important for athletes, as a lengthy recovery can be detrimental when returning to a high level of play. Labral tears are often treated with nonsurgical methods, and the sooner you are able to start treatment, the sooner you will be back to the activities you love. To schedule your first appointment with Dr. Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group, use the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.