The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, and damage to this area can quickly lead to pain in everyday activities. Housework, exercise, and even driving can become uncomfortable or even impossible. When pain arises in the shoulder, it is important to quickly seek care from an expert orthopedic shoulder surgeon. For those living or working in Groffdale, PA, Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedics can make sure you are on the optimal path for recovery.

Dr. Michael Bercik received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he also completed a fellowship in Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery. During this fellowship, he learned advanced techniques used in treating acute fractures and post-traumatic complications such as nonunions, malunions, infections, and arthritis.

Dr. Bercik also broadened his skill set by completing two international fellowships, one at the renowned Centre Orthopédique Santy in France and one at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre and Monash University. During each of these fellowships, Dr. Bercik was able to continue learning state-of-the-art techniques and integrating these techniques with his medical education to truly hone in on advanced surgical practices. When completing his fellowships, Dr. Bercik was able to study under some of the most world-renowned surgeons, including Dr. Gilles Walch, to further advance his skills.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: Common FAQs

What happens before arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Before arthroscopic surgery, you will answer questions related to your previous medical history and current condition. You also may be advised to stop taking any medications and refrain from eating and drinking for a period of time before your surgery. You will also have common body metrics taken such as:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Weight
• Lung sounds

If your health is in question and your provider wants to ensure this will be a safe procedure, measures such as blood tests, chest x-rays, and electrocardiograms may be taken.

What happens after shoulder arthroscopy?

After shoulder arthroscopy, you will recover for an hour or two at the hospital while your doctor monitors your surgical site and your pain levels. If all is well (which it usually is), you will be able to go home within a few hours of the procedure. You will be given at-home care instructions to follow, and likely schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the next rehabilitation steps.

When can you return to school or work?

Recovery time from surgery varies greatly depending on the procedure. Minor procedures may only require a few days before returning to normal activity, while major procedures may require much more time. To understand the expected recovery time for your procedure, speak with your orthopedic surgeon prior to the operation.

After surgery, when should you seek medical care?

After surgery, if you experience symptoms such as intense pain, fever, discolored or odorous fluid around the wound, numbness, tingling, or excessive swelling, it is important to contact your orthopedic doctor to ensure there are no complications.

Ready to Begin?

With the complexity of the shoulder joint, having an experienced provider is important to ensure the area is treated correctly and comprehensively. When only one aspect of the injury is treated, it can lead to awkward strain on different areas of the shoulder and increase the chances of additional injuries or a prolonged recovery time.

As a respected orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Michael Bercik specializes in conditions of the shoulder and elbow, including complex injuries from trauma. For residents living in Groffdale, PA, schedule your first appointment at Lancaster Orthopedic Group by clicking the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.