Brian Butzen MD, FAAOS
Learn More About Doctor Butzen
Fellowship-Trained, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Specializing In:
Upper Extremity Conditions (Shoulder to Fingertips)
Sports Injuries
Minimally-Invasive Procedures
Nerve Microsurgery
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
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.
Highlights
Video Review of Shoulder Surgery
For arthroscopic (camera-based) shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, Doctor Butzen records a custom video after surgery that reviews the details of the surgery. He has developed this technology and technique, and is unavailable elsewhere. In the video, he goes through the details of the surgery and explains each photograph taken at the time of surgery. He has found this to be the best way to communicate these details to the patient, family, and other caregivers (physical therapists, family doctors).
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 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.
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.
