In [[1958]], four visionary Swiss surgeons shared a common goal: to conduct research into bone healing within a structured, coordinated study group. It was effectively the birth of the [[AO]] (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen—literally translated, “working group for bone fusion issues”). 

Year over year, its scope has expanded to keep pace with rapid developments in musculoskeletal surgery and patient care, and in [[1984]] the AO Foundation was formally established.

see [[AOSpine]].