Brian Butzen

I'm hosting a free online seminar on December 3 at 6:30 PM about reverse total shoulder replacement surgery. I want to tell you why. This surgery is one of the most rewarding things I do as an orthopedic surgeon. I see patients who can't lift their arm to brush their hair, can't sleep because of pain, and have given up activities they love. Then, after surgery and recovery, they're back to living their lives. That transformation is why I became a surgeon. A Surgery That Actually Works Not...

When your shoulder aches after a weekend of yard work, or your wrist starts tingling during long days at the computer, you might wonder where to turn for help. Many people start with their family doctor, and that's a natural first step. But when it comes to shoulder, wrist, and hand problems, there's a compelling case for going straight to someone who lives and breathes these conditions every day. Think of it this way: if your car's engine was making strange noises, you could take it to any...

Understanding Your Injury Your supraspinatus is one of four muscles that make up your rotator cuff. Think of it as the "lifter" muscle – it helps raise your arm out to the side and keeps your shoulder stable. When this muscle tears, everyday activities like reaching for a coffee mug or combing your hair can become painful or impossible. I've been treating shoulder injuries in Durango for over a decade, and I see patients struggle with this decision regularly. A rancher from Cortez once told...