Osteoarthritis is a common condition of the shoulder, and many treatments are available to reduce symptoms and improve outcomes. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on your specific condition, history, and goals. When you meet with Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group, we will walk you through available options to determine the right steps for you.

Following his Magna Cum Laude graduation from Georgetown University, Dr. Michael Bercik completed his medical degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He developed a passion for conditions of the shoulder and took the initiative to seek international fellowships under some of the most celebrated shoulder surgeons in the world. He also completed a domestic fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he studied complex traumatology for conditions of the shoulder and elbow. Dr. Bercik has years of applying this advanced technique here in the US, and he is dedicated to continuing to learn the latest science to maximize the outcomes of his patients.

Types of Shoulder Surgery for Osteoarthritis

When you and your surgeon have explored options and determined that surgery is the right method of treatment for you, the next step will be determining which type of surgery is best suited for your needs. This will depend on your condition, the severity of damage at the joint and to surrounding tissues, and your age, body history, and lifestyle.

Two common types of surgeries are palliative surgery and reconstructive surgery. Palliative surgery does not reconstruct the area but focuses specifically on symptom reduction. This is typically recommended to younger patients without extensive cartilage damage. Reconstructive surgery, on the other hand, uses “biologic resurfacing” to treat arthritis in the shoulder and reduce symptoms. This is often given to patients with more extensive damage that do not yet require a shoulder replacement.

Within these types of surgeries, there are several different procedures available. Some of the most common procedures to treat osteoarthritis include:

Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is a procedure in which part of the shoulder joint is replaced.

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: This type of procedure is also known as a total shoulder replacement. This is often recommended for older adults with advanced degeneration of the shoulder joint but intact rotator cuff muscles. For older adults with advanced osteoarthritis who rely significantly on shoulder movements in their daily lives, this can be recommended for the best outcomes.

Reverse (Inverse) Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: If there is extensive damage to the tissues in the rotator cuff, a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can be necessary to reduce dependency on damaged tissues and reduce symptoms.

Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions around the shoulder, around the size of a pencil erasure. Through these incisions, small surgical instruments and a camera are inserted to help guide the surgeon via images on a screen. This is often the recommended option when available, as this type of surgery is often easier to recover from than more invasive options.

Ready to Begin?

Pain, arthritis, and other conditions in the shoulder can occur at any age, and early treatment is vital to promote the best outcomes. If you have concerns related to the health of your shoulder, waste no time in scheduling your first appointment with Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group. To get started, click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.