AO Foundation

The AO Foundation is a medically guided nonprofit organization led by an international group of surgeons specialized in the treatment of trauma and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Founded in 1958 by 13 visionary surgeons, AO today fosters one of the most extensive networks of currently more than 12,000 surgeons, operating room personnel, and scientists in over 100 countries.

Our vision is excellence in the surgical management of trauma and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our mission is to foster and expand our network of health care professionals in education, research, development and clinical investigation to achieve more effective patient care worldwide.

Serving your clinical needs

Your clinical division serves your needs – AO has established Specialty areas for trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, and veterinary surgery. The AO Specialties continually redefine the state-of-the-art in their field, maintaining activities in research, development, clinical investigation, and education.

AOTrauma creates a dynamic environment fostering change through its state-of-the-art research and education and an interactive community, empowering the next generation of surgeons.

AOSpine is composed of surgeons, researchers, ORP, and health care professionals from all continents providing educational, research, consulting and networking opportunities.

AOCMF is a driving force in education and research using modern techniques to achieve successful patient rehabilitation for a global community of surgeons.

AOVET's mission is to advance the practice of veterinary surgery to improve patient outcomes by promoting clinical and experimental research, education and development.

Key activities

The AO Foundation Institutes – research and development, clinical investigation and development, education and knowledge services, and the AOTK System – deliver value-added products and services to its clinical divisions, surgical network and partners. The focus of the AO Institutes is on producing new concepts for improved fracture care, delivering evidence-based decision making, guaranteeing rigorous concept and product approval as well as timely and comprehensive dissemination of knowledge and expertise.​