The Founder of the Spinefoundation
The founder, Prof. Dr. Karin Büttner-Janz, MBA is internationally recognized in medicine for the invention of the first artificial intervertebral disc, which introduced a new strategy and a new market for the treatment of degenerative disc disease worldwide. She also came to the attention of the world when she became Germany's most successful athlete at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, winning five medals, including two gold medals. From 1990 to 2012, she was Chief Physician of orthopaedic/trauma surgery clinics in Berlin, including the parallel management of two clinics from 2008 to 2012. From 2008 to 2009, she was President of the International Society of Spine Surgeons (SAS, later referred to ISASS).
https://isass.org/about/board-of-directors/karin-buttner-janz-md-germany/
Prof. Dr. Karin Büttner-Janz founded the Spinefoundation in 2012. “In the long term, spinal problems can only be solved if extensive knowledge and, above all, scientifically sound findings are available.” With these words, she describes her foundation’s mission. The Professor at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin knows what she is talking about. She looks back on decades of experience in surgical and conservative spinal treatment, which forms the basis of her current scientific work.
In addition to providing scientific guidance to doctoral students at Charité, Prof. Dr. Karin Büttner-Janz focuses on preventing infections following surgery. To this end, she collaborated with hospital architects and PwC to develop an innovative hospital for the centralized treatment of patients in orthopedics, trauma surgery, and neurosurgery (spine). The proposed specialty clinic was designed to feature infection-resistant architecture and equipment. Fewer infections lead to reduced suffering for patients and their families and to cost savings in the healthcare system. However, the Berlin Senate rejected the new hospital. Key aspects of this hospital — many of which remain relevant to this day — were presented in Prof. Dr. Karin Büttner-Janz’s master’s thesis, which she completed as part of her MBA program; it can be viewed on the German version of this website.
As a member of the German DIN Standards Committee for Heating and Ventilation Technology, Prof. Dr. Karin Büttner-Janz is committed to ensuring the safest possible ventilation systems, particularly in operating rooms, to protect patients from infections and surgical staff from illness. She brings her extensive clinical experience and scientific knowledge to this volunteer work — and is committed, among other things, to ensuring that standards are generally understandable and can thus be implemented in daily practice. In 2026, a supplement to the air quality standard was completed, which outlines the planning involvement of relevant professional groups in the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities equipped with air technology.
ACTIVITIES of Prof. Dr. Karin Büttner-Janz, MBA:
New Event Format "OR Conference”
Scientific Publications after working as Chief Physician
