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Patient Reviews for Doctor Butzen
Dr. Butzen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, wrist, and hand surgery in Durango, Colorado. He has over 175 Google reviews with a 5-star average. [Read reviews on Google →]
Patients throughout the Four Corners region - from Durango to Farmington, Cortez, and Pagosa Springs - trust Dr. Butzen for procedures like rotator cuff surgery, carpal tunnel release, and reverse total shoulder replacement.
Here's what they have to say:
Especially attentive, with answers to my questions and what to expect long term
I am extremely satisfied with all of the process that Animas Orthopedic Associates and Animas Surgical Hospital provided me in the total reverse shoulder replacement I received there, especially from Dr. Brian Butzen. From the pre surgery consultations and class that let me know completely what to expect, the surgery itself, with the professionalism of all of the staff at the hospital (the food was even great) and the post operation consultations, physical therapy, etc. Dr. Butzen is especially attentive, with answers to my questions, explaining to me what to expect, and details of what to expect long term. I highly recommend AOA and Animas Surgical Hospital.
Ernie O'Toole, Google Review May 2026
I am hiking, weight training and gardening again
Dr. Butzen performed a reverse shoulder replacement on my right shoulder on January 22, 2026. From my first office visit, I knew I was in good hands. The entire staff was friendly and professional. Dr. Butzen was always very warm and caring, giving me all the time necessary to explain the surgery and answer any questions. My pain after surgery was minimal. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I am hiking, weight training and gardening again. I highly recommend Dr. Butzen. He is definitely a one-of-a-kind doctor!
Brenda Hogue., Google Review, May 2026
Less than three months later, I was back to mountain biking and weight lifting
Dr. Butzen performed surgery on a mid-shaft fracture in my left radius, and less than three months later, I was back to mountain biking and weight lifting. Dr. Butzen and his team are professional, personable, and caring. I felt like the team at Animas Orthopedics cared about my experience after a stressful insurance mix-up at a different provider.
Kela Fetters, Google Review, March 2026
Wish I had seen Dr. Butzen from the beginning
I saw Dr. Butzen after two other physicians could not help remedy the injury to my right hand. Not only did he perform a more thorough analysis, he also took decisive treatment action that made an immediate impact. However, since three months had already gone by surgery became necessary, which turned out exactly as Dr. Butzen predicted. One of the things I appreciated most about Dr. Butzen is that I was able to email him with status updates to which he immediately responded. This was a first as I have not seen any other physician take the time to engage with patients in that manner. It clearly shows a differentiating level of caring and care. Wish I had seen Dr. Butzen from the beginning.
Marcel Kron, Google Review, March 2026
I am back on my horse ready for competition this summer
Last October 2025, Dr Butzen gave me a Total Reverse shoulder replacement. It was a huge success! I had no pain even from the first day . He is a wonderful surgeon and a delightful man. He was kind, professional and made himself totally available to me for any questions or concerns I might have. I cannot recommend Dr Butzen highly enough as a five star surgeon. I am back on my horse ready for competition this summer!! Thank you Dr Butzen I am eternally grateful
Juliette Watt, Google Review, February 2026
Everything he did and said has been entirely accurate
Dr. Butzen performed tennis elbow surgery in Sept 2025. He thoroughly explained the procedure and the post op recovery process. From beginning to end everything he did and said has been entirely accurate. The Escalante Surgical Center was amazing and the follow up by Dr. Butzen's office was caring and professional. Thank you Dr. Butzen for your caring manner and professionalism!
L.A., Google Review, February 2026
Above my expectations... great range of motion to continue my active life
I am very pleased with my reverse shoulder replacements. I have great range of motion. It has been almost four months since my left shoulder was repaired and there is still some pain, but to be expected. It is healing very well and I expect that the pain will subside, as did the right shoulder. The whole experience from initial consultation to post op meetings went above my expectations. Dr. Butzen and the entire staff provided a great service for me to continue my active life!
NewMexMaxx, Google Review, February 2026
This shoulder surgery has been a total game changer!
This shoulder surgery has been a total game changer! 27 years ago I had reconstructive surgery on shoulder that was evidently not good surgery. Limited mobility, and pain was the norm and just got worse with age. This surgery they did on me has changed my life! I have much better attitude, pain is gone and just a short time after surgery I had more rotation than I had in past 27 years. At 52 I feel better than I ever had and my outlook on life is so much better, and not being in constant pain, has helped my mindset tremendously! I am extremely grateful for the whole team at Animas orthopedics, because every single person from front desk to Doc, was fantastic to deal with. It was all one big blessing I received and I truly hope this helps others find that relief! Thank you all for giving me something I thought I’d never have again!
Toby Hamilton, Google Review, January 2026
Dr. Butzen and his staff are professional and the best!
Back to normal activities within a week. Carpel tunnel release. No more numbness in my hand at all. Dr. Butzen and his staff are professional and the best!
Shirley Brinkman, Google Review, December 2025
He is never in a hurry and is thorough...
As busy as Dr Butzen is, he always makes me feel like I am the only patient he’s seeing that day. He is never in a hurry and is thorough with his explanations and answers to my questions.
Chris Bauer, Google Review, November 2025
Dr. Butzen makes his patients feel important.
I highly recommend Dr. Butzen to anyone who needs the care of an orthopedic surgeon for upper body injuries. He recommended no surgery for my proximal humerus fractures. That diagnosis, along with excellent physical therapy, resulted in a quicker recovery. I am satisfied with the mobility and strength I have recovered. Furthermore, Dr. Butzen makes his patients feel important. He takes time to talk to them and explain things. And adds a bit chatting to it all, if the patient is amenable. I was. He has his own website and phone number, making him easily accessible. He has a great support staff as well. Thank you, Dr. Butzen!
Anonymous, Healthgrades Review, October 2025
We all feel very blessed to have such as skilled surgeon in our area.
I had a total reverse shoulder replacement by Dr Butzen. I'm very pleased with the entire process. About 2 months afterwards, I tripped on a wooden deck and took a hard fall. Hit my surgery shoulder on the top rail and arm on the upright boards, my replaced right knee and my head... Nonetheless, I ended up with a diagonal break of my clavicle and acromion bones. Dr Butzen's office suggested a CT scan and as soon as he saw it, scheduled me for a second surgery... this time to put a plate in to hold them together.
Since then, I went through the physical therapy sessions at Rocky Mountain PT in downtown Pagosa Springs and am doing really well!!
I don't have any pain and have my mobility and strength back.
I have recommended Dr Butzen to several friends... AND I have visited with others that have been patients of his, with all of them very pleased with the outcome of their hand surgery, wrist surgery and shoulder surgeries.
We all feel very blessed to have such a skilled surgeon in our area.
And I do have to add, his staff are also awesome. So sweet, personable and caring...
Respectfully and pleased to know these people....
Mary JoJo Allen, Google Review, October 2025
I could not be happier!
All the amazing 5 star reviews I read for Dr. Brian Butzen prior to meeting him are exactly what I experienced working with him before, during, and after my dual carpal tunnel release surgery.
You can tell he cares about people based on the time, attention, and understanding he gives you. He put me at peace which I needed given this was my first ever surgery and I was worried.
The surgery went exceptionally well and he was more than patient and responsive to any of my post-procedure questions and needs. I could not be happier!
Dr. Brian Butzen is without a doubt who you want guiding you through your surgery and I whole-heartedly give him this 5 star review.
Shaun Satterfield, Google Review, September 2025
...amazed at the speed and professionalism of Dr. Butzen...
Dr. Butzen is an excellent surgeon and communicator!
I had my finger ripped wide open on a job site. It was like a hamburger rip. I had it sewn up by a very good trauma surgeon but, there were complications. Dr. Butzen reopened my finger, corrected the problem and it is almost like new. This wasn’t my first time to meet Dr. Butzen.
Approximately 2 years ago, my wife while working on landscaping in our yard slipped and broke her wrist (on a Sunday afternoon). I was then able to get a text to Dr. Butzen that evening and by 10am on Monday she was scheduled for surgery the very next day!
The break required a metal plate and 10 screws. She is doing great and we both were amazed at the speed and professionalism of Dr. Butzen and his staff.Our family is very appreciative of Dr. Butzen!
Anonymous, Healthgrades Review, September 2025