Are you experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort? If nonsurgical methods have been ineffective for you, shoulder surgery may be able to provide much-needed relief from pain, stiffness, and shoulder immobility. To discuss your options with an expert orthopedic shoulder surgeon, residents of Lancaster should look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a specialization in conditions of the shoulder and elbow. He is dedicated to helping his patients achieve the best outcomes with minimal recovery time and completed three fellowships (one domestic and two international) to learn the latest techniques and surgical methods. When you trust Dr. Bercik with your treatment, you can feel confident you will receive high-quality care from a team of dedicated professionals.

Common Shoulder Surgeries

When you have shoulder surgery, your surgeon will discuss with you whether an open or arthroscopic procedure will lead to the best results. An open procedure involves a longer incision in the shoulder and essentially “opens up” the shoulder. This is done to remove damaged portions of the shoulder and repair any torn tendons and soft tissues.

On the other hand, an arthroscopic procedure involves small incisions in multiple places around the shoulder. Small surgical equipment is inserted through these incisions, and the surgeon performs the procedure through the guide of the small inserted camera. Generally, arthroscopic surgeries are recommended when possible, as they are minimally invasive and often have shorter healing times. However, if you have extensive damage, an open procedure may be necessary to repair the structures in the shoulder fully.

There are multiple types of shoulder surgeries, with the most common being:

Total Shoulder Replacements: For this procedure, the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder is replaced with an artificial structure. This is generally done when there is severe degeneration of the tissues.

Arthroscopy for Frozen Shoulder: Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is most common in people (mainly women) between the ages of 40 and 60. This condition leads to stiffness and pain in the shoulder that progressively becomes immobile. Surgery is typically done to loosen the joint capsule and relieve stiffness to increase movement abilities.

Acromioclavicular Joint Repair: This type of joint repair is typical for advanced acromioclavicular arthritis, which is arthritis that affects the joint where the shoulder blade meets the collarbone. Fractures, shoulder separation, and arthritis can all lead to the need for joint repair. Nonsurgical methods are often the first line of treatment, but if these fail, arthroscopic surgery to remove a portion of the collarbone or otherwise treat the joint may be necessary.

Arthroscopy for Impingement Syndrome: Impingement syndrome, often called bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis, is caused by the rotator cuff tendons being compressed or trapped. This damages the tendons and bursa of the shoulder and causes pain or other uncomfortable symptoms.

Ready to Begin?

If you believe shoulder surgery may be right for you, waste no time visiting Dr. Bercik and our experienced orthopedic team at Lancaster Orthopedics. Early treatment can significantly reduce complications and lead to easier recovery times. Residents of Lancaster looking to schedule their first appointment should click the  “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.