AO Foundation

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AO Foundation Center Davos

AO Foundation

The AO Foundation is a medically guided non-profit organization based in Switzerland that focuses on the advancement of orthopedic surgery and trauma care. It was founded in 1958 by a group of Swiss surgeons who aimed to improve the treatment of bone fractures and soft tissue injuries. The foundation is renowned for its contributions to the development of surgical techniques, instruments, and educational programs in the field of orthopedics.

History

The AO Foundation was established in 1958 by a group of Swiss surgeons, including Maurice E. Müller, Martin Allgöwer, Robert Schneider, and Hans Willenegger. The organization was initially formed to address the lack of standardized treatment protocols for bone fractures. Over the years, the AO Foundation has grown into a global network of surgeons, scientists, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient outcomes in orthopedic and trauma care.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the AO Foundation is to promote excellence in patient care and outcomes in trauma and musculoskeletal disorders through research, development, education, and quality assurance in the principles, practice, and results of osteosynthesis. The foundation aims to achieve this through:

• Conducting and supporting clinical research and biomechanical research.
• Developing and disseminating surgical techniques and instruments.
• Providing high-quality educational programs and resources for healthcare professionals.
• Establishing and maintaining a global network of experts in orthopedic and trauma care.

Research and Development

The AO Foundation is heavily involved in research and development to advance the field of orthopedic surgery. The organization operates several research institutes, including the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI), which focuses on preclinical research in areas such as tissue engineering, biomaterials, and biomechanics. The foundation also collaborates with academic institutions, industry partners, and other research organizations to drive innovation in orthopedic and trauma care.

Education and Training

Education is a core component of the AO Foundation's mission. The organization offers a wide range of educational programs, including hands-on workshops, online courses, and fellowships. These programs are designed to provide healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and skills in orthopedic surgery and trauma care. The AO Foundation also publishes a variety of educational materials, including textbooks, surgical guides, and instructional videos.

Global Network

The AO Foundation has established a global network of healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient care in orthopedic and trauma surgery. This network includes surgeons, researchers, educators, and other healthcare providers who collaborate on research projects, educational initiatives, and clinical practice improvements. The foundation's global reach allows it to disseminate best practices and innovations in orthopedic and trauma care to a wide audience.

Related Pages

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Maurice E. Müller
• Clinical research
• Biomechanics
• Tissue engineering
• Biomaterials