To schedule an appointment, click on the Schedule an Appointment button on the top-right corner of this website. If you prefer to phone, please call my office (Animas Orthopedic Associates) at (970) 259-3020 and request an appointment with Doctor Butzen.

In most cases, a referral is not required. However, some insurance plans may have specific requirements. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm.

Dr. Butzen specializes in the treatment of shoulder, wrist, and hand injuries, as well as upper extremity conditions. Common conditions include rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, wrist fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Check out Services to see how he can help you regain your mobility.

Yes, Dr. Butzen provides second opinions for orthopedic conditions. Please bring any relevant imaging, medical records, and surgical reports to your appointment.

My office hours are:

• Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

I see patients on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. To schedule an appointment, fill out the APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM. Otherwise, feel free to call my office (Animas Orthopedic Associates) at (970) 259-3020 and request an appointment with me, Dr. Butzen.

If you have an emergency, please call 911.

I accept a wide range of insurance plans, including the following:

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• Medicare

• Colorado Medicaid

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield

• Cigna

• United Healthcare

• Cofinity

• Presbyterian

• Coventry

• First Health

• Multiplan

• RMHMO

• GEHA

• HMN

• AHRS

• JIPA

• Pinnacol WC

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Please note that there may be specific plans that I do not participate in, so it is important to contact your insurance provider directly to verify your eligibility and coverage details for your specific plan.

If your insurance doesn’t cover a procedure, our team can provide information on payment options or financing plans to ensure you receive the care you need.

Coverage for imaging and follow-up appointments varies by insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your specific coverage.

When attending your appointment, please ensure you bring the following items:

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• Identification: A valid driver’s license or other government-issued ID.​

• Insurance Information: Your insurance card or relevant details.

• Prior Imaging: All related imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Please bring the actual films or a disc containing the images.

• Surgical Records (if applicable): If you have had surgery before, bring the medical records, including the surgical report.

• Medical History Record: A list of your medical history and current medications.

Bringing these items will help ensure your appointment is as efficient and comprehensive as possible.

During your first visit, Dr. Butzen will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss any imaging results you may have. Together, you’ll create a personalized treatment plan.

Initial consultations typically last 30-45 minutes. Follow-up appointments may be shorter, depending on your needs.

It is not required to bring someone with you, but having a companion can be helpful, especially if you are undergoing a procedure or may have limited mobility.

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and individual circumstances. For most surgeries, you can expect a recovery period ranging from a few weeks to several months. Dr. Butzen will provide a detailed recovery plan tailored to your needs.

We offer various non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy, cortisone injections, bracing, and activity modifications. Dr. Butzen will recommend the best approach based on your condition.

In many cases, physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery to restore strength and mobility. Dr. Butzen will discuss whether therapy is necessary for your specific situation.

Yes, certain hand and wrist procedures can be performed in-office, saving you time and expense compared to a hospital or surgery center.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

Yes, we offer telemedicine consultations for certain conditions. Please contact our office to determine if a virtual appointment is appropriate for your needs.

Currently, medical records can be requested by contacting our office directly. We do not have an online portal at this time.

If you need to reschedule, please call our office at (970) 259-3020 at least 24 hours in advance.

We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. This allows us to accommodate other patients in need of care.

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who has completed at least 13 years of schooling and training in the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. Some orthopedic surgeons treat specific regions of the body (hip, knee, shoulder) while other surgeons treat specific populations of patients (pediatrics, trauma, athletes).

Doctor Butzen has completed 16 years of schooling and training, and his focus is on sports injuries and upper extremity injuries including shoulder, wrist and hand. He has completed additional fellowship training on the upper extremity, and is double board certified in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery . He is honored to have worked in Durango since 2013.

Following the completion of formal training including schooling and residency/fellowship (on-the-job training) there is a confirmation of skills process called board certification. This involves a written test followed 2 years later with an oral exam. Passing these exams certifies (board certifies) an orthopedic surgeon through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS).

Doctor Butzen is double board certified (orthopedic surgery and hand surgery) with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery until 2035.

Ice should be used in the first 48 hours, or in the presence of an injury causing inflammation (swelling). Ice helps inflammation by decreasing the blood flow to the area. It is generally recommended to apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, with a rest period of 20 minutes (20 minutes on - 20 minutes off).

Heat helps to decrease pain and increase joint mobility. This would not be appropriate in a case of inflammation, as it would increase the blood flow and increase the swelling. In the case of rehab or therapy following the acute injury phase, a common strategy to improve range of motion is to start by applying heat to the area to warm it up, then perform the exercises (which will generate some inflammation), followed by a period of icing to relieve the pain and swelling.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are non-prescription, over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. They are popular treatments for muscular aches and pains, as well as arthritis.

NSAIDs not only relieve pain, but also help to decrease inflammation, prevent blood clots, and reduce fevers. They work by blocking the actions of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. There are two forms of the COX enzyme. COX-2 is produced when joints are injured or inflamed, which NSAIDS counteract. COX-1 protects the stomach lining from acids and digestive juices and helps the kidneys function properly. This is why side effects of NSAIDs may include nausea, upset stomach, ulcers, or improper kidney function.

Cortisone is a steroid that is produced naturally in the body, which has natural anti-inflammatory activity. Synthetically-produced cortisone works in a similar way, and can also be injected into soft tissues and joints to help decrease inflammation. While cortisone is not a pain reliever, pain may diminish as a result of reduced inflammation. In orthopedics, cortisone injections are commonly used as a treatment for chronic conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis.

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. A ligament is an elastic band of tissue that connects bone to bone and provides stability to the joint. Cartilage is a soft, gel-like padding between bones that protects joints and facilitates movement.

X-rays are a type of radiation, and when they pass through the body, dense objects such as bone block the radiation and appear white on the x-ray film, while less dense tissues appear gray and are difficult to see. X-rays are typically used to diagnose and assess bone degeneration or disease, fractures and dislocations, infections, or tumors.

Organs and tissues within the body contain magnetic properties. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, combines a powerful magnet with radio waves (instead of x-rays) and a computer to manipulate these magnetic elements and create highly detailed images of structures in the body. Images are viewed as cross sections or “slices” of the body part being scanned. There is no radiation involved as with x-rays. MRI scans are frequently used to diagnose bone and joint problems.

A computed tomography (CT) scan (also known as CAT scan) is similar to an MRI in the detail and quality of image it produces, yet the CT scan is actually a sophisticated, powerful x-ray that takes 360-degree pictures of internal organs, the spine, and vertebrae. By combining x-rays and a computer, a CT scan, like an MRI, produces cross-sectional views of the body part being scanned. In many cases, a contrast dye is injected into the blood to make the structures more visible. CT scans show the bones of the spine much better than MRI, so they are more useful in diagnosing conditions affecting the vertebrae and other bones of the spine.

To find a good shoulder or hand surgeon, look for a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in the upper extremities. Check their credentials, years of experience, and patient reviews.

It’s also helpful to ask for referrals from primary care physicians or physical therapists. In Durango, Colorado, Dr. Brian Butzen, MD, is a highly regarded surgeon specializing in shoulder, wrist, and hand conditions, serving the Four Corners region.