Jonathon Backus, MD
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon in Vail & Frisco, CO
Dr. Jonathon D. Backus, MD is a board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon specializing in the treatment of foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, fractures, arthritis, ligament instability, and complex reconstructive surgery. He performs advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures to restore function and mobility for patients ranging from active individuals to elite athletes. Dr. Backus serves as Director of Foot and Ankle Research at The Steadman Clinic and sees patients in Vail and Frisco, Colorado.
Dr. Backus treats the full spectrum of foot and ankle problems and is particularly recognized for managing challenging fractures, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, arthritis, and complex cases requiring reconstructive techniques. His experience caring for athletes informs his approach to helping all patients return safely to the activities they enjoy.
About Dr. Jonathon Backus
Dr. Jonathon Backus is a board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at The Steadman Clinic who treats patients in Vail and Frisco, Colorado. He specializes in foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, fracture care, and complex reconstructive surgery.
He completed fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at The Steadman Clinic under Dr. Thomas O. Clanton and serves as Director of Foot and Ankle Research. His work focuses on advanced surgical techniques, fracture management, cartilage injuries, and ankle instability.
Clinical Expertise & Conditions Treated
Dr. Backus provides care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions including:.
Treatments & Procedures Performed
Dr. Backus performs both minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures including:
Practice Locations
Dr. Backus evaluates and treats patients at the following locations of The Steadman Clinic:
Vail, Colorado
Frisco, Colorado
Many patients also travel from Aspen and surrounding mountain communities for specialized foot and ankle care at The Steadman Clinic. Patients traveling from Aspen often choose the Frisco location for convenience and appointment availability.
Professional Roles, Recognition & Leadership
Director of Foot and Ankle Research at The Steadman Clinic
Board of Directors at American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
Castle Connolly Top Doctor Recognition
Team Physician for U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team
Published peer-reviewed author and invited lecturer in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery
Education, Training & Credentials
- Undergraduate Degree: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Molecular and Cellular Biology, Graduated with Distinction
- Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship: National Institutes of Health
- Medical Degree: Duke University School of Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery Residency: Washington University in St. Louis
- Foot & Ankle Fellowship: The Steadman Clinic under Dr. Thomas Clanton
- Board-Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Research & Publications
Dr. Backus is an active author in peer-reviewed orthopedic literature with research interests focused on ankle instability, trauma outcomes, cartilage injuries, and advanced surgical techniques in foot and ankle care. He regularly contributes to orthopedic journals and serves as a reviewer and educator within the specialty.
View Dr. Backus’s research and publications:
- Publications indexed on PubMed
- Citation profile on Google Scholar
Patient-Focused Philosophy
Dr. Backus combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach centered on clear communication, individualized treatment plans, and restoring mobility so patients can return to the activities they enjoy. His experience treating elite athletes informs his approach to helping all patients recover efficiently and safely.
Background & Experience
Dr. Backus earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis. Following fellowship training in Vail, he spent time in private practice in Denver before returning to Washington University as an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. During his four years on faculty, he led clinical research on ankle instability, fracture management, and outcomes of motion-preserving procedures, and remains active in national collaborative studies.
Raised in a small farming town in southern Illinois, Dr. Backus attended the University of Illinois, graduating with distinction in molecular and cellular biology. He also completed a Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health before pursuing his medical studies at Duke.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Backus enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and hiking with his family in the Colorado Rockies.
