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About Dr. Brian Butzen
Dr. Brian Butzen is a double-fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon based in Durango, Colorado. With a focus on upper extremity diseases and trauma—from the shoulder to the fingertips—Dr. Butzen also specializes in sports injuries and work injuries of the upper extremities. His advanced training in hand and upper extremity surgery, combined with expertise in microsurgery, allows him to provide specialized care for nerve and blood vessel repairs using the latest surgical techniques.
Educational Background and Training
Dr. Butzen was born and raised in Wisconsin, where his passion for sports and outdoor activities blossomed. Over the years, he traveled to Colorado frequently for hiking and backpacking and developed a deep appreciation for the Durango area. His academic journey began with earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by his doctorate of medicine (M.D.) at the Medical University of Ohio.
He completed his 5-year orthopedic surgery residency at State University of New York - Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in 2012, gaining comprehensive experience across all facets of orthopedic surgery, including total joint replacement, pediatric orthopedic surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and musculoskeletal trauma. During this time, Doctor Butzen had the privilege of providing sports team coverage for Syracuse University, Cortland College, the Syracuse Chiefs minor league baseball team, the Syracuse Crunch AHL hockey team, and Cornell University. This exposure allowed him to develop advanced skills in sports injury management, particularly for shoulder, wrist and hand. In residency, he participated in cutting edge orthopedic research projects, gaining experience with observing and creating the future of medicine.
In 2013, Dr. Butzen further honed his expertise by completing a one-year fellowship at the University of Southern California, training at the prestigious Los Angeles County Hospital. His fellowship focused on a mix of hand and shoulder surgery, peripheral nerve injuries, microsurgery, and soft tissue reconstruction of both the upper and lower extremities. It is through his fellowship that he gained interest in maintaining the latest surgical skills, which he continues to practice, by offering the latest surgical techniques in rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement surgery, hand and wrist fracture care, and sophisticated hand surgeries. In his fellowship, he participated in research projects that have been applicable to his current practice.
Professional Experience
After completing his fellowship, Dr. Butzen eagerly relocated to Durango, where he joined Animas Orthopedic Associates, bringing his advanced skills and passion for patient care to the community. His training and experience allow him to treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, particularly those affecting the upper extremities, with an emphasis on trauma and sports injuries. He continues to practice at the same facility, helping his patients from Durango, Colorado and surrounding areas, including through a satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Butzen takes a personalized approach to care, prioritizing each patient’s unique needs and concerns. He takes the time to listen, ensuring that every patient feels informed and comfortable throughout their treatment. His expertise allows him to offer minimally invasive techniques, improving surgical outcomes and recovery times, particularly for shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Butzen enjoys a range of outdoor activities. He is an avid skier, both downhill and nordic, and enjoys cycling, trail running, and spending time in the great outdoors with his wife and two sons. Dr. Butzen is dedicated to providing the highest quality medical care to his patients and is proud to call Durango his home since 2013, at his one and only post-training job.
Professional Affiliations
Hospital Affiliation
