When it comes to trauma and broken bones, it is crucial to take steps to ensure proper healing. Orthopedic trauma primarily involves fractures of the bone or bone-related injuries that affect the tissue around the site of injury. When healing from a fracture, there can be various complications, such as nonunion fractures (when the bone didn’t heal), malunions (when the bone healed in a deformed way), or infections related to previous fracture care.

Ensuring you get the best care possible is vital no matter where the injury occurred. Dr. Bercik is skilled in various surgical techniques to aid in healing orthopedic traumas and poorly aligned fracture sites. He has also completed his fellowship in the treatment of orthopedic trauma.

 

General Fracture Information

Dr. Bercik treats a wide variety of fractures (“broken bones”) including broken bones in the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, femur (“thigh bone”), tibia (“shin bone”), and ankle.

Nonunions / Malunions (Deformities after Injuries)

Nonunions are when the bone doesn’t heal after a fracture. Malunions are when the bones heal, but in the wrong position. Dr. Bercik has completed a fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma that has taught him the techniques necessary to treat both of these conditions.

Nonunions
Malunions

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures will typically involve one, two, or even three breaks in the bone around the ankle. This can disrupt the ankle joint and cause pain and deformity. If untreated, this can lead to long-term complications including ankle arthritis. Dr. Bercik has specialty training in fixing broken ankles, which is typically done with plates and screws (“open reduction and internal fixation”).

Pre-op Info Sheet

Distal Radius Fractures / Broken Wrists

A distal radius fracture, or “broken wrist,” can sometimes occur after a fall or direct injury. When this occurs, often it can be treated nonoperatively in a cast for several weeks. Sometimes, surgery is needed to repair the bone and set it back in the right position.

Tibial Plateau (Knee) Fracture

The tibial plateau is the top part of the tibia (“shin bone”) and makes up part of your knee joint. A tibial plateau fracture often needs surgery if the joint is not where it’s supposed to be in order to prevent knee arthritis and other complications. Dr. Bercik has specialty training in fixing tibial plateau (knee) fractures.

Tibial Shaft (Shinbone) Fracture

The middle part of the shinbone is referred to as the “tibial shaft.” This fracture is often treated through minimally invasive techniques and small incisions. A metal bar (intramedullary nail) is inserted into the middle of the bone and holds it in place. Often, you can walk immediately after surgery!

Quadriceps Tendon Tears

The quadriceps tendon helps you to straighten your knee by attaching to the top part of the patella (knee cap). After certain injuries, it is possible to tear the quadriceps tendon off of the patella. If this happens, the quadriceps tendon can be repaired back to the patella through a small incision, allowing you to regain the strength in your leg and knee.

Patellar Tendon Tears

The patella tendon helps you to straighten your knee by attaching to the bottom part of the patella (knee cap). After certain injuries, it is possible to tear the quadriceps tendon off of the bottom of the patella. If this happens, the patella tendon can be repaired back to the patella through a small incision, allowing you to regain the strength in your leg and knee.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures often occur after falls. Sometimes, hip fractures can be fixed and sometimes the hip needs to be replaced.