What we do
The AO's world-leading institutes drive development, innovation, and research, across the AO by delivering value-added products and services to the AO's clinical divisions, clinical unit, its global network of surgeons and operating room personnel, and to its partners.
They produce new concepts for improved fracture care, deliver evidence-based decision making, guarantee rigorous concept and product approval, and ensure the timely and comprehensive dissemination of knowledge and expertise.
Find out more about the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI), the AO Innovation Translation Center, the AO's clinical research activities, and the AO Education Institute (AO EI).
Research innovation
The AO Research Institute Davos (ARI) is recognized as a research-leader in Switzerland, Europe, and the world. AO Research Institute Davos's purpose is advancing patient care through innovative orthopedic research and development.
Its goals are to contribute high-quality applied preclinical research and development focused on clinical applications and solutions, to investigate and improve the performance of surgical procedures, devices, and substances, and to build a close relationship with the AO medical community, academic societies, and universities.
Innovation translation
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.
Innovation translation at the AO involves developing disruptive technologies to address unmet clinical needs.
Clinical evidence
The AO’s clinical evidence center of excellence conducts clinical research to global standards (ISO 14155, ICH GCP), drawing on the AO’s medical and scientific expertise.
Adhering to a strict standard of data analysis, AO ITC ensures the delivery of unbiased clinical evidence to serve the medical community.
Education
The AO is the world's leading education provider to health care professionals working in the fields of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
The AO Education Institute ( AO Education Institute) is dedicated to improving performance through outstanding educational offerings. AO Education Institute develops competency-based programs for all AO clinical areas, it fosters and develops a global pool of world-class clinical teachers, and creates a diverse range of learning support materials.
AO Annual Report 2022
Learn how the AO emerged this past year with more agility, tools, and resources that enhanced our approach to education, research, and innovation.