Karl M. Larsen, MD

Karl M. Larsen
Orthopedic Surgeon - Hand & Microvascular
4.8
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Specializing in diagnosing & Treating Injuries of the Hand & Upper Extremities
Fax: 719-623-1051
Karl M. Larsen

Dr. Karl Larsen is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). He is one of an elite group of surgeons who have achieved the esteemed Certificate of Added Qualification in Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Larsen specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hand and upper extremity injuries. He commonly treats patients for athletic injury and overuse conditions of the wrist, disorders of the elbow, shoulder fractures, and work-related injuries as well as upper extremity trauma reconstruction and complex hand surgery. Dr. Larsen has been honored as one of Colorado Springs Style magazine’s Top Docs, a listing of Colorado Springs physicians recommended by their colleagues, for the past 8 years.

Dr. Larsen earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, followed by a hand and microvascular surgery fellowship at the Indiana Hand Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Larsen served in the United States Air Force and United States Air Force Reserve from 1989 until his retirement at the rank of Colonel in 2015. He served three years as a flight surgeon for the 352d Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall, England, before returning stateside to complete his orthopedic training. After completing his orthopedic and hand surgery training he was stationed at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs from 2002 until 2008. At USAFA Dr. Larsen performed both general orthopedic and hand surgery. He also held numerous leadership positions including Flight Commander for Inpatient and Emergency Services, Deputy Squadron Commander for Medical Operations, Deputy Chief of Medical Staff, and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery. In 2004 Dr. Larsen participated in a MIA-POW recovery mission in the mountains of Tibet. In 2007 he served as a Mobile Forward Surgery Team Commander in Kirkuk, Northern Iraq. Dr. Larsen was named Air Force Special Operations Command Flight Surgeon of the Year in 1995 and United States Air Force Academy Clinical Surgeon of the Year in 2005. In addition, he received many decorations throughout his military career including Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and NATO Medal.

Education

  • Fellowship: Hand & Microvascular Surgery, Indiana Hand Center, Indianapolis, IN
  • Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, SAUSHEC/Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas
  • Medical School: MD: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD
  • Undergraduate School: BS: Biological Sciences and Modern Chinese, University of California at Santa Barbara

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) Diplomate
  • Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand
  • Colorado Division of Workers Compensation Level II Certified

Team Physician

  • 2010 – Present: Orthopedic Consultant, United States Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs; Part of Team USA Olympic and Paralympic National Medicine Network
  • 2012 – Present: Team Physician, Club Lewy Field Hockey Club, Monument, Colorado

Memberships & Organizations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Fellow
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Fellow
  • Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Indianapolis Hand Society
  • Colorado Medical Society
  • El Paso County Medical Society

 

Dr. Larsen's Reviews
Sheila OSheila O
05:53 04 Dec 24
Fast, efficient appointment. I got in and out within 1/2 hour and had almost no wait in the lobby. I was impressed.
Marc SantalaMarc Santala
03:22 04 Dec 24
This is my second visit to Dr. Larsen’s office and I have to say he is an expert in his field, and a nice guy too!Thank you, Dr. Larsen and staff.
Sam BacaSam Baca
02:20 04 Dec 24
I was left with horible injury on my left arm that left me with severe electrical spasms and pain for over year. After Dr larsen conducted surgery l felt immediate relief, and I'm so thankful. I highly recommend Dr Larsen for your meical needs dealing with hand issues.
Andre WrightAndre Wright
08:35 27 Nov 24
Very happy staff.
Ken SextonKen Sexton
23:09 26 Nov 24
Larry AllisonLarry Allison
10:16 22 Sep 22
Chris CooperChris Cooper
20:04 17 Sep 22
I have been to CCOE several times and both Dr. Larson and Stephanie Noble are caring, professional and sociable. The office staff is knowledgable, helpful and competent.
Sieran ValeSieran Vale
18:16 10 Jan 22
Dr Larsen and staff work miracles w/amazing attitude and personal connection. Kudos!
Margo GlaserMargo Glaser
02:55 15 Jan 21
In October of 2020 Dr. Larsen did surgery to release my Left ring and middle finger. Everything he explained to me was exactly how the surgery went. I had very little pain and was almost back to full use within 1 month. He is the most caring, considerate and compassionate doctor. He explains everything so you understand and will take all the time necessary to answer any questions that you might have. At the end of December, he set me up to have my right wrist repaired due to problems with my tendon. Once he got into the wrist, he realized that the one tendon had ruptured, and the second one was very frayed. He used what I had in there to make a good strong tendon for me. Again, the kindness, understanding, explanation and bedside manner was most impressive. I would recommend him to anyone who is having an issue that fits his expertise. This is an amazing man and surgeon! 5 Stars Plus! You won't be disappointed!
Jim ClasquinJim Clasquin
21:16 19 Nov 20
At the end of October 2020, I had the unfortunate experience of breaking my arm immediately below my wrist. Within a few hours of the accident, Dr. Karl Larsen was advising, counseling, and instructing me as to how and what he was preparing to do on my behalf. He exhibited the utmost of concern, compassion, confidence and professionalism towards me. I knew from that initial consultation I was in the best of care.After I was released from the hospital, I was soon undergoing physical therapy by the great staff at the Center, and now three weeks post surgery, I have almost complete functionality of my hand and arm, and am eagerly looking forward to having weight limiting restrictions removed. I simply can't express my sincerest gratitude to everyone at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence fire their great care, expertise and genuine care for me. TRULY EXCELLENT!
Debbie RomeroDebbie Romero
18:28 17 Nov 20
Had carpal tunnel surgery and a dorsal compartment release. Dr. Larsen is such a kind and soft spoken physician. You can tell he really cares about is patients. My surgery was on a Thursday and I was back at work on Monday. His nurses and staff are wonderful too. I definitely recommend Dr. Larsen and if I need my other wrist done I will definitely be returning to have him perform the surgery!!
Adam FontenotAdam Fontenot
20:40 20 May 20
So Dr. Larsen had to take over after a surgeon in another state provided an emergency procedure. I can only wish that Dr. Larsen was the first one to have done the procedure from the beginning. Now he has fixed the issue multiple times and it will get better within time. The man and his team are very heart warming, patient and understanding of the needs of the patients. I feel sorry for how they have to put up with insurance companies harrassing them and giving them attitude. I have already recommended a few people I have met with hand injuries to Dr. Larsen to assist them. What a great team even the physical therapy team.
Sarah FletcherSarah Fletcher
15:19 05 Jun 19
Dr. Larsen is one of the best! His explanation of what my injury was and how he was going to "fix" me was crystal clear. Plus the office staff is amazing. They always greet me with a smile and are willing to help me with anything I need. Would definitely recommend Dr. Larsen and the facility!
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