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Dr. Brian Butzen - Orthopedic Surgeon in Durango, Colorado
Dr. Brian Butzen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder, wrist, and hand problems. He has practiced in Durango, Colorado since 2013 and is a partner at Animas Orthopedic Associates. Dr. Butzen holds double board certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery—in both orthopedic surgery and hand surgery—making him one of the most qualified upper extremity surgeons in the Four Corners region.
His practice focuses on helping patients get back to the activities they love, whether that's skiing at Purgatory, mountain biking, working on a ranch, or simply living without pain.
Shoulder, Hand, and Wrist Surgery Expertise
Dr. Butzen's fellowship training and years of experience allow him to offer advanced surgical care for problems from the shoulder to the fingertips. His most commonly performed procedures include:
Shoulder Surgery
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Lower trapezius tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears (the only surgeon in the Four Corners region offering this procedure)
Hand and Wrist Surgery
Other
What Sets Dr. Butzen Apart
Experience That Shows in the Numbers
Dr. Butzen performs over 100 reverse total shoulder replacements each year. This high volume means he has seen nearly every variation of shoulder problems and knows how to handle them. His surgical infection rate is well below 1%, reflecting his commitment to precision and patient safety.
Direct Communication With Your Surgeon
Unlike many practices, Dr. Butzen gives patients direct access to him through email and text message. You won't get lost in a phone tree or wait days for a callback. When you have a question, you can reach your surgeon directly.
The Best Surgical Facility in the Region
Dr. Butzen operates at Animas Surgical Hospital, which has the highest patient satisfaction ratings in the Durango area. The facility and staff are focused on one thing: excellent surgical outcomes.
A Team Built on Transparency
From your first appointment through recovery, Dr. Butzen's team keeps you informed every step of the way. No surprises, no confusion—just clear communication about your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect.
Educational Background and Training
Dr. Butzen grew up in Wisconsin, where he developed a love for sports and the outdoors. Frequent trips to Colorado for hiking and backpacking led him to Durango, and he knew early on that this was where he wanted to build his career.
He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his medical degree (M.D.) from the Medical University of Ohio.
Dr. Butzen completed his five-year orthopedic surgery residency at State University of New York – Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, finishing in 2012. During residency, he gained experience across all areas of orthopedic surgery, including joint replacement, pediatric orthopedics, foot and ankle surgery, and trauma. He also provided sports medicine coverage for Syracuse University, Cortland College, the Syracuse Chiefs (minor league baseball), the Syracuse Crunch (AHL hockey), and Cornell University. This work gave him advanced skills in treating sports injuries of the shoulder, wrist, and hand.
In 2013, Dr. Butzen completed a one-year fellowship at the University of Southern California, training at Los Angeles County Hospital. His fellowship focused on hand surgery, shoulder surgery, peripheral nerve injuries, microsurgery, and soft tissue reconstruction. This training gave him the skills to perform the most advanced procedures for rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, wrist and hand fractures, and complex hand surgeries.
Throughout his training, Dr. Butzen participated in research projects that shaped how he practices today. He stays current with the latest surgical techniques and materials to give his patients the best possible outcomes.
Professional Experience
After completing his fellowship, Dr. Butzen moved to Durango and joined Animas Orthopedic Associates. He has practiced here ever since—Durango is his one and only job after training, and he is proud to call it home.
His training and experience allow him to treat a wide range of orthopedic problems, with a focus on the shoulder, wrist, and hand. He treats both traumatic injuries and chronic conditions, helping patients of all backgrounds get back to their lives—from weekend warriors to professional athletes.
Patient Education and Community Resources
Dr. Butzen believes patients make better decisions when they understand their condition and options. He creates educational content through several channels. His YouTube channel features videos explaining common shoulder, wrist, and hand problems, what to expect from surgery, and recovery tips. His website blog covers topics patients ask about most often, including when surgery makes sense and what other options exist. Many of these posts have become popular resources for people researching their condition.
Beyond online content, Dr. Butzen shares his expertise with the local medical community. He teaches splinting workshops for emergency room staff at Animas Surgical Hospital and local urgent care clinics. He has hosted community seminars about shoulder, wrist, and hand problems in the Durango area, and now offers online seminars where patients can learn about specific procedures and ask questions directly.
Serving the Four Corners Region
Dr. Butzen's primary office is in Durango, Colorado, at Animas Orthopedic Associates. He also sees patients at a satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs, Colorado twice per month.
His patients come from throughout the Four Corners region, including:
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Durango, Colorado
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Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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Cortez, Colorado
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Farmington, New Mexico
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Surrounding communities in Southwest Colorado and Northwest New Mexico