Doctor Brian Butzen MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Serving Durango, Colorado and Surrounding Areas
Since 2013, Dr. Brian Butzen has been a trusted name in orthopedic care in Durango, Colorado. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, he has dedicated his career to providing expert care for shoulders, wrists, and hands. Patients from Durango, Farmington, Pagosa Springs, and Cortez rely on his skills to regain mobility and reduce pain. His warm, patient-centered approach and advanced surgical expertise make him a cornerstone of orthopedic care in the Four Corners region.
Dr. Butzen practices at Animas Orthopedic Associates, a leading orthopedic clinic in Durango, and also sees patients at a satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs. This accessibility ensures that even patients in more rural areas can receive the specialized care they need without traveling far. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Butzen is committed to helping his community thrive—whether that’s enabling a local skier to return to Purgatory Resort or helping a rancher in Cortez regain full use of their hands.
Services Offered by Brian Butzen, MD
Dr. Butzen specializes in treating a wide range of conditions affecting the shoulder, wrist, and hand. Below is a detailed look at the services he offers, tailored to his patients in the Four Corners region.
Rotator Cuff Surgery
Rotator cuff injuries can make everyday tasks like lifting groceries or reaching overhead painful and frustrating. Dr. Butzen uses advanced surgical techniques to repair torn tendons, allowing patients to regain full shoulder function.
For active individuals in Durango who enjoy mountain biking or kayaking, a rotator cuff injury can be especially limiting. Dr. Butzen’s expertise helps patients return to their favorite outdoor activities, whether that’s navigating the Animas River or tackling trails at Horse Gulch.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Patients with severe arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff damage often benefit from reverse total shoulder replacement. Dr. Butzen specializes in this advanced procedure, which can restore mobility and significantly reduce pain.
This surgery has been transformative for many local residents, including retirees in Pagosa Springs who want to maintain their independence and outdoor enthusiasts in Cortez looking to continue exploring the Mesa Verde National Park.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects many people in the Four Corners area, from office workers in Durango to craftspeople in Farmington. Dr. Butzen offers endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that provides faster recovery and lasting relief from numbness and tingling in the hands.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
For patients who aren’t candidates for endoscopic surgery, Dr. Butzen also performs traditional carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure has helped countless patients regain the use of their hands, whether they’re working on the farm or creating art for Durango’s vibrant local galleries.
Distal Radius Fracture Surgery
Slips and falls are common during Durango’s snowy winters, and wrist fractures often result. Dr. Butzen specializes in distal radius fracture surgery, helping patients heal properly and regain full wrist function.
This service is especially helpful for residents who rely on their hands for work or recreation, from ranchers in Pagosa Springs to climbers enjoying the cliffs near Ouray.
Trigger Finger Release Surgery
Trigger finger can make simple tasks like holding a coffee cup or typing on a keyboard painful and difficult. Dr. Butzen offers quick, effective trigger finger release surgery, which is especially beneficial for individuals who work with their hands, such as farmers in Cortez or artisans in Farmington.
Clavicle Fracture Surgery
Clavicle fractures are common among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in the Four Corners region. Whether it’s a cyclist injured on the Animas River Trail or a skier recovering from a fall at Purgatory Resort, Dr. Butzen’s precise surgical techniques promote proper healing and allow patients to return to their favorite activities.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Tendon injuries can happen to anyone, whether you’re a weekend warrior in Durango or a ranch hand in Pagosa Springs. Dr. Butzen’s expertise in tendon repair surgery helps patients regain full strength and flexibility, allowing them to return to work or recreation.
Wrist Arthritis Surgery
Wrist arthritis can make every movement painful, especially for people who rely on their hands for daily activities. Dr. Butzen offers surgical solutions to reduce pain and improve wrist function, whether it’s for a local chef in Durango or a craftsman in Farmington.
Thumb Arthritis Surgery
Thumb arthritis is a common issue that can make even simple tasks, like turning a doorknob or holding a pen, difficult. Dr. Butzen’s thumb arthritis surgeries provide relief for patients in the Four Corners region, helping them regain their independence and quality of life.
De Quervain (Wrist) Tendinitis Surgery
De Quervain tendinitis can cause sharp pain along the thumb side of the wrist, making it difficult to perform repetitive tasks like typing or using tools. This condition is particularly common among residents who work with their hands, such as musicians in Durango or ranchers in Cortez. Dr. Butzen’s surgical solutions help patients return to their routines pain-free.
Nerve Repair Surgery
Nerve injuries in the hand or wrist can result in numbness and loss of function, which can be devastating for patients who rely on their hands for work or hobbies. Dr. Butzen’s precise nerve repair surgeries have helped farmers in Pagosa Springs, artists in Durango, and others regain sensation and mobility.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
For patients with advanced shoulder arthritis, shoulder replacement surgery can provide significant relief. Dr. Butzen performs both standard and reverse shoulder replacements, tailoring each procedure to the patient’s unique needs. Many of his patients, from retirees in Farmington to athletes in Cortez, are thrilled to regain pain-free movement.
Shoulder Pain Evaluation
Shoulder pain can have many causes, from rotator cuff injuries to arthritis. Dr. Butzen provides thorough evaluations to identify the source of the problem, helping patients in Durango and beyond find the right treatment to get back to their active lifestyles.
Wrist and Hand Pain Evaluation
Chronic wrist or hand pain can interfere with daily life, especially for people in the Four Corners region who rely on their hands for work or recreation. Dr. Butzen’s detailed evaluations help pinpoint the issue and provide a clear path to recovery.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy is an innovative treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to promote healing in damaged tissues. Dr. Butzen offers this non-surgical option for certain shoulder, wrist, and hand conditions, providing relief for residents who aren’t ready for or don’t need surgery.
Non-Operative (non-surgical) Shoulder Treatment
Not all shoulder problems require surgery. Dr. Butzen offers a range of non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy and injections, to help patients manage pain and improve shoulder function. This is particularly beneficial for active individuals in Durango who want to stay on the trails or slopes as long as possible.
Why Patients Choose Brian Butzen, MD
Dr. Butzen’s patients consistently praise his compassionate care and clear communication. Whether he’s helping a rock climber in Durango recover from a tendon injury or a retiree in Pagosa Springs manage arthritis pain, he takes the time to explain diagnoses and treatment options.
One patient shared how they struggled with shoulder pain for years before finding relief with Dr. Butzen’s help. Stories like these highlight his dedication to improving quality of life for everyone in the Four Corners region.
Dr. Butzen’s deep ties to the community also set him apart. He understands the unique needs of his patients, from outdoor enthusiasts to those working in demanding physical jobs. His goal is to help every patient maintain their active, independent lifestyle.
Convenient Care Across the Four Corners Region
Dr. Butzen sees patients at Animas Orthopedic Associates in Durango, as well as at his satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs. This accessibility ensures that patients across the region, from Farmington to Cortez, can receive expert orthopedic care close to home.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Shoulder, wrist, or hand pain shouldn’t hold you back. Dr. Brian Butzen is here to help you get back to doing what you love. Contact his office at Animas Orthopedic Associates in Durango, Colorado, or schedule a visit at his Pagosa Springs clinic today.
Video Review of Shoulder Surgery
For arthroscopic (camera-based) shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, Doctor Butzen records a custom video that reviews the details of your surgery. In the video, he goes through the details of the surgery and explains each photograph taken at the time of surgery. This level of communication is not available anywhere else in the US.
Templated Shoulder Replacement
An important part of a shoulder replacement is to most accurately place the implant. This accuracy is increased with using a CT (CAT) scan or MRI scan to take an impression of your shoulder and use this to plan the placement of the implant. Doctor Butzen routinely uses this technology, with excellent outcomes.
Tendon Transfer Shoulder Surgery
Doctor Butzen is the only surgeon in the 4-Corners region offering the Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears. This cutting edge surgery restores rotator cuff function in people who previously had no other option but salvage surgery or shoulder replacement
Procedure Room Surgery
Doctor Butzen performs many surgeries in his in-office procedure room. This is convenient to patients, safer , and with cost savings up to 85% compared to the same procedure in the operating room.
For more information about this surgery option, CLICK HERE to see the Procedure Room Handout
My office is in the Animas Surgical Hospital building. The address is:
575 Rivergate Lane
Suite 105
Durango, CO 81301
To get there from downtown Durango, follow Highway 3 (East 8th Avenue) South. Turn Right onto Sawmill Road. Follow the road down hill and bear right onto Rivergate Lane. Our building is located at the end of the strip on the right.
Expertise
Dr. Butzen brings advanced surgical expertise to Durango and the Four Corners region. His comprehensive residency training provided exceptional experience in all aspects of orthopedic surgery, including:
Joint arthritis treatment
Joint preservation techniques
Fracture care and trauma
Advanced tissue reconstruction
During his residency, Dr. Butzen gained valuable experience in treating high-level sports injuries while providing team coverage for Syracuse University, Cortland College, the Syracuse Chiefs baseball team, the Syracuse Crunch hockey team, and Cornell University.
His specialized fellowship training focused on:
Upper extremity trauma and conditions
Peripheral nerve injuries
Microsurgical techniques
Upper extremity salvage procedures and function preservation
Personal
A Wisconsin native with a lifelong love for Colorado, Dr. Butzen made Durango his home after completing his medical training in 2013. When not caring for patients, he enjoys downhill and nordic skiing, mountain and road biking, trail running, and spending time outdoors with his wife and two sons.
Dr. Butzen is dedicated to providing exceptional orthopedic care to the Durango community and surrounding areas. He performs all surgical procedures at Animas Surgical Hospital, renowned for its outstanding quality outcomes and low complication rates.
Education & Training
Fellowship: Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Microsurgery
University of Southern California, Los Angeles County Hospital
2012-2013
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery
State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse
2007-2012
Medical Degree (MD)
Medical University of Ohio
2003-2007
Undergraduate Degree
University of Wisconsin - Madison