Our Story
Led by an international group of volunteer medical experts, the AO Foundation supports its extensive network of healthcare professionals to achieve more effective patient care worldwide. In 1958, the AO Foundation set out to realize its vision to provide excellence in the surgical management of trauma and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Becoming a valued member of the AO Family today means accessing unique opportunities for professional development and continuing medical education within a motivated, loyal and supportive community.
The reputation for excellence the AO enjoys within the surgical community worldwide originates from its collective intelligence in bone healing principles, methods and treatments. This is a direct result of the time, money and expertise invested by the AO in basic, clinical and exploratory research, clinical investigation, medically-guided product approval and education.
The AO has a strong global reputation for delivering high-quality orthopedic education where and when needed. Innovations in AO education are often driven by AO research findings. AO education offers the full learning lifecycle from face-to-face lecturing to advanced technology-supported learning methodologies and has educated more surgeons and ORP than every other institution in orthopedics. In 2018 the AO delivered over 830 educational events worldwide with over 58,000 participants.
AO scientists collaborate with renowned surgeons, universities and research labs worldwide, taking surgeons' clinical issues relating to disorders of the musculoskelatal system as the starting point to drive cutting-edge research and product development. This collaborative network ensures that AO maintains the highest clinical standards. To deliver this key focus the AO has purpose-built research facilities onsite in Davos, Switzerland. This pursuit of excellence in patient care is strengthened by AO's clinical investigation and documentation expertise, making it a world-leader in evidence-based trials.
