About the AO

The AO is the premier innovator in the surgical treatment of bone fractures and disorders. Innovation at the AO goes from bench to bedside, including basic research, product development, clinical validation, and valorization.

Today we have a global network of over half a million health care professionals. Each year we offer over 850 educational events around the world, supported by nearly 8,000 faculty and attended by over 70,000 participants. We have around 20,000 surgeon members working in the fields of trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, veterinary, and reconstructive surgery.

Transforming Surgery—Changing Lives

The AO began with a problem: how to improve patient outcomes in the treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. Today, this remains the priority for everyone at and involved with the AO.

The AO covers different specialist areas, brought together into one global community, one network, one powerhouse of excellence focused on improving patient care.

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The AO mission: promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes in trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

Organizational structure and governance

The AO is structure reflects those areas in which it is active. The AO's institutes, clinical divisions, clinical unit, and initiatives conduct research, development, education, clinical investigation and approval of new devices or methods. Management boards support, supervise, and ensure the AO's diverse activities are carried out efficiently and effectively.

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AO Annual Report 2023

Learn how the AO emerged this past year with more agility, tools, and resources that enhanced our approach to education, research, and innovation.

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Ethics and Compliance Committee

The AO's independent Ethics and Compliance Committee supervises ethics and compliance matters at the AO, and reports directly to the President, the AO Foundation Board, and the Trustees.

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Corporate social responsibility

The AO is proud to be a good corporate citizen in all geographies where it has a presence. From energy-saving initiatives at its headquarters in Davos (Switzerland), to projects in Malawi and India, and targeted initiatives in key locations across the world, the AO remains driven by its founders' passion for improving lives.

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