Dr. Dr. John Papilion

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Get to know Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. John Papilion, who serves patients in Colorado.

Dr. Papilion is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists. His specialities include meniscus transplantation, arthroscopic reconstruction of the knee & shoulder – including rotator cuff repair, cartilage restoration procedures, reverse total shoulder replacement, and minimally invasive total & unicompartmental knee replacement.

With offices in Denver, Parker & Aurora, Colorado, Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists is widely recognized as the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic services. The physicians at the practice have received specialized training in orthopedic surgery and in subspecialty areas within the field of orthopedic medicine. They can diagnose and treat even the most complicated orthopedic conditions and are supported by a professional staff of physician assistants, medical assistants, X-ray technicians, and administrative personnel.

Born and raised in Denver, Dr. Papilion was determined to return to Colorado to practice after studying medicine in Ohio and Virginia. He earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and completed his internship and residency in general surgery at St. Joseph Hospital. He also completed an additional residency in orthopedic surgery at Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, a research fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and a fellowship in arthroscopy and sports medicine at The Bone and Joint Institute at Christ Hospital.

During his time at Christ Hospital, Dr. Papilion had the opportunity to care for the Cincinnati Bengals professional football and Cincinnati Reds professional baseball teams and ultimately became fascinated by complex knee and shoulder problems. He has special training and expertise in state-of-the-art reconstructive surgeries, performs traditional open and arthroscopic surgery, as well as treats elbow and ankle problems.

An expert in his field, the doctor is board-certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.

Serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Dr. Papilion is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Colorado Medical Society.

Additionally, he is affiliated with Parker Adventist Hospital, Sky Ridge Medical Center, Rose Medical Center, Porter Adventist Hospital, Littleton Adventist Hospital, and Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.

Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

Among Dr. Papilion’s various accolades include Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018), Patients’ Choice Award (2015, 2018), and Compassionate Doctor Award – 5 Year Honoree (2018).

Outside of orthopedics, his interests include golfing, fly fishing, running, and skiing. 

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