Have you experienced a recent shoulder separation? An experienced shoulder surgeon can help you rehabilitate your injury and avoid future separations. Because of the complexity of the shoulder joint, working with an orthopedic doctor specializing in the shoulder, such as Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group, is important to determine the best path to recovery in the quickest amount of time.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is dedicated to helping residents of Lancaster, PA, achieve their goals and reach their maximum movement potential. Following completing his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, he completed his residency program at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA, in orthopedic traumatology. He was the highest scorer in his residency program and was awarded the Orthopaedic In-training examination award in recognition of this milestone. He was also awarded the Mark D. Chilton award for outstanding patient care and has continued to treat each patient in his care with dedication, compassion, commitment, and respect.

In each of his three fellowships, Dr. Michael Bercik learned advanced techniques specifically related to conditions of the shoulder and elbow such as acute fractures and post-traumatic complications such as nonunions, malunions, infections, and arthritis. Through his fellowship experiences, Dr. Bercik has been able to integrate complex techniques to treat complicated conditions of the shoulder effectively and efficiently with state-of-the-art methods.

SLAP Tears: What Are They?

SLAP tears, or superior labrum anterior and posterior tears, occur when the top of the labrum tears at the point it connects with the biceps tenon. This commonly occurs when a shoulder separation happens. This is in the front of the upper arm. This tear can occur at the front of the shoulder, back of the shoulder, or on the side where the biceps and labrum connect. This type of tear typically results from repetitive movements and is commonly found in athletes or professionals whose job requires this type of movement.

Common symptoms include irritation and pain, and these types of tears are seen more frequently in people under the age of 30. These tears often occur gradually over time, and many patients do not recall a single event causing the condition. For this reason, the sooner you notice symptoms and can receive treatment, the faster you may be able to return to full functionality. For most cases, your orthopedic shoulder doctor will recommend nonsurgical options. Once these methods are exhausted, surgery may be needed to fully reduce symptoms.

Do SLAP Tears Lead to Instability?

SLAP tears may lead to the ligaments becoming looser and increase instability within the shoulder. Some patients have a genetic condition known as multidirectional instability, which is when the ligaments of the shoulder are more elastic than average. This can increase the likelihood of shoulder separations and SLAP tears.

Multidirectional instability can also develop from repetitive movements in sports such as tennis, volleyball, swimming, racquetball, and baseball. When you have multidirectional instability, a physical therapist may be recommended to help you stabilize the shoulder and reduce instability. If needed, some patients require surgery to further stabilize the shoulder joint.

Connect With Us

Ready to work with our team to help you get back to your favorite activities pain-free? Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group have years of experience treating complex shoulder ailments, such as shoulder separations, and can help you take your next step toward meeting your goals. To get started with our team, use the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.