Paired Debate Session: What Is The Role Of Bracing To Prevent Scoliosis Progression In Children With Spinal Cord Injury?
Dr Randal R. Betz
M.D.
Dr. Betz is a world-renowned spine surgeon with more than 40 years of experience specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult spinal conditions , including scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, neuromuscular scoliosis, and spinal cord injuries.
Dr. Betz currently serves as a pediatric scoliosis and spinal deformity surgeon at the Institute for Spine and Scoliosis in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is also the CEO and Founder of FSG corporation ( Foundation Surgical Group) , an innovative spine implant company that received FDA clearance for two novel devices. One of these devices enables a unique, motion-preserving approach to lumbar spine surgery, specifically targeting leg pain caused by vertical foraminal stenosis.The device will also be used for correction of spinal deformity in patients with paralytic scoliosis .
Previously, Dr. Betz held the position of Chief of Staff and Medical Director of the Spinal Cord Injury Unit at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia. He earned his medical degree, completed his internship, and residency at Temple University School of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Betz has received multiple prestigious honors, including the ABC Traveling Fellowship, North American Traveling Fellowship, and the Berg-Sloat Traveling Fellowship. In 2013, he was named Senior Mentor for the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Traveling Fellowship. He served as President of the SRS in 2005 and was honored with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Dr. Betz has also served on the boards of the American Paraplegia Society and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), which awarded him the A. Estin Comarr Memorial Award for Clinical Service in 2003 and its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
A prolific innovator and educator, Dr. Betz holds 30 U.S. patents for advancements in spinal surgery and has authored more than 360 peer-reviewed publications and 70 textbook chapters. He has delivered over 350 invited lectures around the world.