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 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.

A diverse community of health-care 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.

Our global community

Today, the AO has a global community of over half a million health-care professionals.

Each year the AO offers approximately 1,000 educational events around the world, supported by more than 9,000 faculty and attended by over 80,000 participants.

The AO has over 23,000 surgeon members working in the fields of trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, veterinary, reconstructive, and sports surgery.

AO Annual Report 2025

Knowledge in motion: From evidence to global impact

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

Zizers office

AO Foundation
Tardisstrasse 199, 7205 Zizers, Switzerland

Business hours:
Monday - Friday
7:00 - 17:00

AO Research Institute

Clavadelerstrasse 8
7270 Davos, Switzerland

Tel.: +41 81 414 22 11

Find out more about the AO Research Institute Davos

AO Innovation Translation Center