Do you live or work in Lancaster, PA, and feel you may benefit from an Orthopedic Shoulder Doctor? Dr. Michael J Bercik and our team can help you reduce shoulder pain, recover from injuries, prevent future ailments, and all-around feel your best. With a commitment to outstanding results and a dedication to our patients, you can trust us to help you reach your goals. Visit us at our Lancaster location today to get started.

Dr. Bercik’s broad experience allows him to approach shoulder ailments from perspectives beyond traditional orthopedic methods. After completing two international fellowships, including one under Dr. Gilles Walch (one of the most influential shoulder surgeons in the world), Dr. Bercik uses the most advanced techniques to help patients recover more quickly and effectively than previously thought possible.

Dr. Bercik’s outstanding work and dedication to patient care have been recognized on multiple occasions, including the Mark D. Chilton award for exceptional patient care. We want all of our patients to feel confident in their treatment, and there is nobody better to turn to with your shoulder needs than Dr. Bercik and our expert team here in Lancaster.

Arthritis of the Shoulder 

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions and affects millions of people worldwide each year. Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints and can occur in any joint in your body. When this involves the shoulder joint, even the simplest tasks can become daunting.

There is no comprehensive cure for arthritis, but different treatments can reduce pain and slow progression. Using these methods, many people can continue to enjoy the activities they love with minimal pain.

The first step to managing arthritis of the shoulder is to understand the type of arthritis pain. There are five main categories:

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is a condition that leads to the deterioration of the articular cartilage, which is the cartilage that covers the bone. This leaves the bone exposed and can lead to bone-to-bone contact and rubbing, causing pain and bone deterioration over time.

Osteoarthritis is most common for adults over 50 and affects the acromioclavicular joint in the shoulder more often than the glenohumeral shoulder joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disease that leads the body to attack its own tissue. This attack causes the synovium, which is a lining that lubricates the joints, to swell and for the joints to become stiff.

For this type of arthritis, both joints within the shoulder are equally likely to be affected.

Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy

Arthritis can also develop from a rotator cuff tear that has not healed over a long period of time. This long-standing tear leads the head of the humerus arm bone to rub against surfaces in the shoulder socket, causing arthritis.

If this is not treated promptly, this can lead to severe chronic pain and weakness, and eventually the inability to move the arm.

Posttraumatic Arthritis

Similar to arthritis caused by prolonged rotator cuff injuries, arthritis can also result from fractures or dislocations of the shoulder and other injuries.

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurs when blood supply is cut off from the head of the humerus, which can lead to bone cells dying over time. This leads to dead bone collapsing and the articular cartilage covering becoming damaged. Eventually, this causes arthritis.

AVN is most commonly caused by steroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, certain diseases, and traumatic injuries.

Contact Us Today!

Immediate care is often essential to minimizing recovery times. If you feel an experienced orthopedic shoulder doctor could benefit you, reach out to our team in Lancaster, PA, for a complimentary consultation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bercik, please click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.