Do You Need the Right Doctor for Your Shoulder, Wrist or Hand Problem?

Brian Butzen MD
Double-Board Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon
Located in Durango, Colorado and Serving Surrounding Areas

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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. It is vital that this technically challenging surgery be done properly, to maximize outcome and longevity of the repair.

Patients with severe shoulder arthritis or large or irreparable rotator cuff tear may benefit from reverse total shoulder replacement surgery. Dr. Butzen specializes in this advanced procedure, performing this surgery more often than any other surgeon in the four corners region, with the lowest complication rate. A reverse total shoulder replacement can restore mobility and significantly reduce pain, with a reasonable recovery timeline.

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.

For patients who aren’t candidates for endoscopic surgery, or prefer surgery without sedation or anesthesia, Dr. Butzen also performs mini-open carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure is the safest and simplest way to release a carpal tunnel. Doctor Butzen 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.

Slips and falls are common during Durango’s snowy winters, and wrist fractures often result. Dr. Butzen specializes in distal radius fracture surgery, and offers several types of surgery for this problem, depending on fracture and patient characteristics. This surgery allows Doctor Butzen's patients to heal properly and regain full wrist function.

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. This procedure is performed wide-awake in his office, which minimizes risk for complication, at minimal cost to the patient.

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.

Hand tendon injuries can happen to anyone, whether you’re a weekend warrior in Durango or a ranch hand in Pagosa Springs. Doctor Butzen’s expertise in complicated tendon repair surgery helps patients regain full strength and flexibility, allowing them to return to work or recreation.

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 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 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 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. Doctor Butzen also provides nerve repair surgeries for lower extremity nerve injuries, as well.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.