If you are looking for the best orthopedic shoulder surgeon in Lebanon, PA, Dr. Michael J Bercik and our expert team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group’s Mt. Joy location can help you overcome movement barriers and heal from previous injuries.

Before pursuing his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Michael Bercik graduated from Georgetown University Magna Cum Laude. He joined and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Society in medical school. He moved forward to complete his residency at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in orthopedics.

Dr. Bercik has a long history of above-and-beyond patient care and has been recognized for this through the Mark D. Chilton award for outstanding patient care. After achieving the highest score in his residency program, he has also proven his competency as a medical practitioner and orthopedist and was awarded the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination award. This commitment to excellence is consistent throughout his practice, and with every patient we see. We genuinely believe every patient can exceed their expectations and achieve their movement goals.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery – What You Need to Know

While minor tears in the soft shoulder tissues can often be healed through non-surgical methods, larger tears typically need surgical intervention to heal and rehabilitate properly. Arthroscopic procedures are beneficial for small to large tears and are correlated to quicker rehabilitation times than open surgery. Arthroscopic procedures are done through tiny incisions in the shoulder that allow probes and small tools to repair the tissue through the openings, reducing damage to surrounding tissues and minimizing scars in the area.

Rotator Cuff repairs are one of the most common operations with this method and typically require a 6-month rehabilitation period. On the day of this procedure, you will be admitted into the surgery unit and assessed by the anesthesiologist to ensure you can undergo anesthesia safely.

After being cleared for anesthesia, the procedure typically lasts for 2 hours and involves 4 to 5 small incisions at different shoulder parts to ensure complete access to the area. Often, the acromion bone will be trimmed, and the coracoacromial ligament will be removed to increase mobility and decrease friction on the rotator cuff. If the surgeon finds arthritis in the area, a small portion of the affected bone may also be removed.

Once the rotator cuff is repaired and the surgeon confirms the procedure is finished, stitches will be used to close the incisions, and the arm and shoulder will be immobilized for when the patient wakes up. The patient will be asked not to lift or rotate the arm directly after surgery but will be encouraged to walk and move around as soon as comfortable. The physician will provide short- and long-term post-op care for optimal recovery.

Let’s Get Started Today

Residents of Lebanon, PA, can schedule their consultation today with Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedics, a board-certified shoulder surgeon. At our practice, we see patients with a wide range of conditions and tailor our approach to the needs of the individual for best results. To get started, schedule an appointment today.