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 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.
Our mission: promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes in trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
Our global community
Today the AO has a global community of over 385,000 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 around 18,500 surgeon members working in the fields of trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, veterinary, and reconstructive surgery.
Our impact
In the years since the AO has founded, the work that we have done has had a profound impact on surgery, surgeons, ORP, and, crucially, on patient outcomes.
This video interview with AO Past President Nikolaus Renner, recorded during the AO's flagship educational event, the AO Davos Courses, in 2019, explores this impact.
AO Annual Report 2020
This year’s report looks back at 2020—a year out of the ordinary—and the AO has plenty to be proud of. Check out the AO Annual Report 2020—available to read online or as a PDF for download—today.
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.
Working at the AO
At the AO, we understand that our employees are our most valuable asset. We believe that success in furthering the AO mission depends on the collective efforts of a diverse workforce made up of individuals committed to excellence.
Current vacancies
As an employer, the AO is committed to supporting your professional and personal development. The AO welcomes innovative ideas and offers attractive employment terms. Find out what positions are currently open.
Contact us
AO Center Davos
AO Foundation
Clavadelerstrasse 8
7270 Davos, Switzerland
Business hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 - 12:00 and 13:00-17:00
Tel.: +41 81 414 21 11
Fax: +41 81 414 22 80
Dübendorf office
AO Foundation
Stettbachstrasse 6
8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
Business hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 - 12:00 and 13:00-17:00
Tel.: +41 44 200 24 20
Fax: +41 44 200 24 21
AO Research Institute
Clavadelerstrasse 8
7270 Davos, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 81 414 22 11
Fax: +41 81 414 22 88
Visit AO Research Institute Davos
AO Innovation Translation Center
Clavadelerstrasse 8
7270 Davos, Switzerland
Find out more about the AO Innovation Translation Center