Dr. Michael Bercik is a shoulder specialist at Lancaster Orthopedic Group with years of experience helping patients achieve outstanding results. If you are located in Annville, PA, and experiencing shoulder pain, schedule your first appointment at our office today.

Shoulder Specialist Annville, PADr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialty training in the shoulder and elbow areas. He completed his medical degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, before moving on to his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA. His prowess for patient care and medical knowledge stood out among his peers, and he was awarded the Mark D Chilton award for outstanding patient care and the Orthopedic In-training Examination award for achieving the highest residency score while at the Rothman Institute. 

Dr. Bercik followed his residency with three fellowships to master advanced shoulder and elbow surgical methods, including acute fracture and post-traumatic techniques for complications such as malunions, nonunions, infections, and arthritis. When working with Dr. Bercik, patients can expect state-of-the-art methods and innovative care plans to help them maximize their results. 

Surgery for shoulder instability

When is surgery needed?

Surgery for shoulder instability is often the next step if shoulder looseness persists after physical therapy. Shoulder specialists will often recommend non-invasive treatments first, such as activity modifications and exercises designed to improve shoulder motion and strength. If these adjustments do not improve shoulder movement and stability, the surgery may be required to further reduce instability. This can also be the case if patients are unwilling to make lifestyle modifications to accommodate a loose shoulder, such as returning to sports that require complex shoulder movements or impacts. 

How is surgery performed?

Once a physical examination has been performed and it has been determined that surgery is the best next step, your shoulder surgeon will discuss with you the best type of surgery for your condition. When appropriate, arthroscopic surgery is frequently recommended because it is less invasive to surrounding tissues and has a shorter recovery time. Arthroscopic surgery can be used for mild shoulder looseness, but open surgery is required for more severe instability. Before your procedure, your shoulder surgeon may use an arthroscope to get a better look at the shoulder joint internal structures to determine which type of surgery is appropriate for you. 

During your surgery, soft tissue structures in the shoulder such as the labrum, ligaments, and joint capsule will be repaired. This may involve reattaching or tightening certain structures. Anchors and sutures can be used to repair these structures. These fixtures may absorb naturally in the body or be designed to stay permanently. 

How long is recovery after surgery?

The recovery period will depend on the type of surgery and severity of the original injury. Patients can typically use their arm for simple tasks within a week of surgery, but full motion may take 2 months or more. Physical therapy and other rehabilitation methods are typically implemented into the care routine to reduce the length of time before returning to normal activities. For elite athletes or those that perform intense physical activity, recovery time may be longer. However, the chances of repeat dislocation are low after surgery. 

Ready to begin?

Dr. Bercik is a board-certified shoulder specialist conveniently located near the Annville community. To schedule your first appointment and begin your shoulder recovery journey, contact Lancaster Orthopedic Group by using the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.