Who we are

The AO is a medically-guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

The AO story: 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.

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

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Our global community

Today the AO has a global community of over 215,000 health care professionals.

Each year the AO offers more than 830 educational events around the world, supported by nearly 9,000 faculty and attended by over 58,000 participants.

The AO has 20,000 surgeon members working in the fields of trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, veterinary, and reconstructive surgery.

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

A diverse community of healthcare professionals with different areas of expertise, specialism, and interests, the AO offers you an unparalleled opportunity to improve your skills, share your experience, and build your network.

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Find your AO pathway

The AO is home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. What binds us together is our passion for excellence, our dedication to our mission of improving patient care, and our understanding that we are stronger together: we are one AO.